Testing before SAFF, but Duli wants to avoid risk of defeat

To strengthen the pipeline of the Bangladesh national football team, head coach Thomas Duli is keeping all possible avenues open. Efforts are underway to integrate promising footballers growing up abroad alongside domestic talents. However, Duli does not want opponents in SAFF Championship preparation matches who carry a high risk of defeat.

While visiting the Bashundhara Kings Arena to watch the match between Fortis FC and Kyrgyzstan's Muras United, Duli spoke with the media on Tuesday.

Stating that the final squad for the national team's camp and international matches has not yet been finalized, he mentioned that a preliminary list of about 40 players has been prepared for now. The final team will be announced right before the tournament begins.

Duli also clarified his stance regarding the selection of opponents for SAFF preparation. He said he wants to play against teams at home where Bangladesh has a realistic chance of winning. He does not want to increase the risk of defeat by playing against overly strong opponents.

Duli's doors remain open for giving new players opportunities in the national team. Trials featuring several more footballers will be organized soon, where they will get a chance to prove their merit and capability.

Duli is also keeping an eye on Bangladeshi footballers raised abroad. However, bringing them into the national team involves some practical challenges. Many young players abroad are still studying in schools or colleges, making it difficult for them to secure visas and leave approvals.

Nonetheless, the team management is working to convince these footballers to play for Bangladesh. Duli believes that if Bangladesh can return to a winning streak, players abroad will quickly become more interested in playing for the country.

Duli is also placing emphasis on reducing mistakes during the national team's finishing and counter-attacks. Analyzing match errors and building a balanced and strong team for upcoming tournaments, including SAFF, is now his primary objective.