During the time of English coach Jamie De, the Bangladesh team played defense and attack. In his place, Spanish coach Javier Cabrera has at least created a winning mentality in the team. At Real Madrid, Carlos Ancelotti played a 4-4-2 diamond formation. Just like that, the red-green team has been on the field for three years. It cannot be said that he was very successful.
Statistics show that the Bangladesh team under Javier Cabrera has played 29 matches in three years. Won 8, drew 6 and lost 15. Looking at such statistics does not tell the whole picture. However, Jamal-Tapud's efforts to replace him have been seen. Everyone has acquired the mentality of fighting against opponents. Especially in the country. In this situation, the contract with the 40-year-old coach is going to end on December 31. The UEFA Pro Licensed coach is hoping for a contract renewal. Jump into the new year anew. Graves are in Spain to celebrate Christmas. From there, he answered various questions about Bangladeshi football in addition to the contract period to Bangla Tribune.
How was your three years?
Overall these 3 years have been a great experience. From the first year I was more focused on understanding the context and football culture of the country. A very successful second year, where we not only achieved great results but also created a football identity and style that made the country proud of their national team.
What are you thinking about??
We knew that with what we achieved in 2023, we will go through a challenging 2024, facing very strong opponents that will make it difficult to achieve positive results, but will make us a more competitive and mature team. We are ready for that now. 2025 is an important year for the future of football in Bangladesh.
When you pick a player for the first time from the league and bring him to the national team, how much work do you have to do for that particular player?
We are very strict and careful about what we want to see in a player who can make it to the national team. For us, the technical – tactical quality is of course important, but it has no value if we don't see the passion, commitment and ambition to play for the national team and take it to the next level. Playing for Bangladesh is something unique and we need players who personally prioritize the success of the team. Creating this culture, sending this message, will be important when someone joins the team for the first time. It must be very clear, mentality is everything in our team. The technical and tactical part is my responsibility and I will make sure that they understand our game style and principles through our practices.
As I said before, above all else you have to have the mindset, commitment and attitude to win. If we have that, we can perform and win games. First of all, tactics will be automatic.
You watch the Premier League regularly. Run from one venue to another. What is one thing you like and dislike about the Bangladesh domestic league?
We have to be positive about having a regular competition system (BPL and Fed Cup) so that there is consistency every year, it is very important for the development of any sport and national team. On the other hand, we need to provide good quality football grounds that will give Bangladeshi talent a chance to develop properly, as well as raise standards. That will bring fans closer to the clubs. We can see the huge passion of the people of Bangladesh towards football in the matches of the national team. We should see the same atmosphere in the domestic competition. We need more people in the stadium.
I am confident that with our new president we will see a positive change in the quality of the league.
How do you feel about Bangladeshi football culture – from footballers to fans to media…
I love the passion and excitement around the national team. As I said earlier, football is something very special in Bangladesh. There is great passion and tradition. The level of media coverage when the national team plays is clearly a sign of this love for football.
Besides, the attitude and mentality of our players is very different when playing for the national team, the way the fans support the team throughout the 90 minutes of the game is amazing, not only at home. The support we get in games we play away from home is really unique, I don't think any other country in the world gets this support when playing away.
One of our regrets in 2024 is losing to Palestine in Kuwait and Lebanon in Doha. We didn't do well in those two matches. A large number of Bangladeshi fans were present and Tadet deserves some positives. We will return them in 2025.
Bangladesh team plays under you in 4-4-2 formation. Would the red-green team have been seen in a different form if they had got a suitable striker?
As mentioned earlier, it's all about winning mentality, commitment and attitude. If we have it (number nine), we can perform more and win matches. Besides, adjustments will be made according to the match and strategy.
He has been working with the national team for three years. How was your experience?
I have always said that I am very proud and happy to serve as the national head coach of Bangladesh for 3 years already.
Your contract ends on December 31. What are you thinking? Will the contract be renewed?
I have always said that I am always proud and happy to work in the Bangladesh team. Being able to give something to this team. I am sure that we are going in the right direction and there are many positive things to come in the near future.
Footballer Hamza Chowdhury who plays for Leicester City in the English league will play for Bangladesh. This is good news. What are you thinking?
It is very good news that Hamza is confirmed to play for the Bangladesh national team. He will bring a lot of positives to the team not only because of his technical qualities but also because of his professionalism, winning mentality and leadership. Buffe has done an excellent job, bringing him in for the Asian Cup qualifiers will be a great boost for the team.
