Day dismisses ‘usual fake news’
As the national team committee of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) prepares a thorough arrange for the national football team before next March's Bangabandhu Gold Cup in Dhaka, whispers that British coach Jamie Day would be terminated propagate through the football fraternity on Thursday night.
Having quoted among the BFF vice presidents, 1 television set channel reported that Jamie would be terminated pursuing Bangladesh's 0-5 drubbing in Qatar.
However, national team committee chairman and BFF vice-president Kazi Nabil Ahmed eliminated any such move, saying they were content with Day, whose contract was expanded until 2022.
"It is just a rumour. I request everyone not to focus on it. Individuals were surprised by such a rumour whenever we are planning the continuing future of the national team. I don't know how it pass on," Nabil said. "I am content with Day's performances because Qatar received four months' time before facing Bangladesh. They enjoyed domestic matches together with international friendlies against strong opponents. But Bangladesh performed on the trunk of only six weeks of preparation. Bangladesh, under Day, enjoyed better against Qatar in the house match and I am hopeful that the boys will succeed in next three World Cup Qualifying matches on the back of good preparation."
When contacted, Day termed it "usual fake news". "Usual fake news. I spoke to the BFF this (Thursday) morning to go over their plans for 2021, so I will be very surprised if indeed they sacked me," explained Day, who has taken ill in England after recovering from Covid-19 in Bangladesh prior to the Qatar tie.
The BFF is certainly going to start the new season from December 22 through the Federation Cup prior to starting the Bangladesh Premier League in January. Also, they are mulling whether to get a one-month preparation camp in February prior to the Bangabandhu Gold Cup, which was proposed to be held from March 1 in Dhaka.
"The footballers will fully be engaged from December 22, with Day time watching league matches in January to greatly help him select players. The BFF president plans to start the national camp for the for Bangabandhu Gold Cup from the first week of February," Nabil added. "The final fixture of the World Cup Qualifiers contain not been disclosed yet but we are able to assume it'll be held in March and June and we've a good possibility to secure points from all three home matches."
However, Nabil explained the execution of the BFF plans will rely upon approval from clubs, who aren't obligated to release their players per month ahead.
League champions Bashundhara Kings did not release their players within the BFF deadline for the two international friendlies against Nepal last month. BFF also decided to play the Qatar tie beyond the FIFA window after clubs agreed to release their players for a six-week training camp.
Kazi Salahuddin said earlier that he wants a month of national training before each of World Cup Qualifying match. But Day has simply asked for 10 times to get ready his charges before matches or tournaments during the past. Comfortable with that, Working day said: "I don't believe it will be possible to have 30 days because clubs don't need to release the players until five days before fixture. And in the event that you look around the world, most training camps are 10 times long."
