Booters' Gwangju test today
Bangladesh football team will look to improving their shape and fitness when they take on Gwangju FC in first of their three preparatory matches for the Asian Games at the Mokpo International Training Centre in South Korea today.
After having run his charges through three days of practice since arriving in Korea on Saturday afternoon, Bangladesh coach Jamie Day is expected to field a combined eleven, comprising players from squads for the Asian Games and SAFF Championship, in a bid to see the defensive organisation and attacking shape as the English coach perhaps wants to rely on attacks on the break in the upcoming campaigns.
The men in red and green have already showed a bit of resolve in a practice match against Al Mesaimeer FC of Qatar last month where they came from behind to hold the hosts to a 1-1 draw. Day is more concerned about fixing things ahead of the Asian Games matches rather than concentrate on match results.
“I know it's going to be a really tough match, so what will be pleasing for me to see is if our shape and fitness has improved since the last game [against Al Mesaimeer FC],” Day said. “We have been working hard for the last few days on the boys' fitness, so it will be interesting to see how that is against a K-League side who are involved in their season already.”
The Bangladesh players, who had functional training in the morning before a stretching and fun session in the afternoon yesterday, are ready to take the challenge against Gwangju FC, who were relegated to K-League 2 after finishing bottom of the 12-team table last season.
“We have watched them train tonight [Tuesday] and the level they play at here in Korea, it will be a very tough game as they are a very good opposition,” Day said about the opposition, who have two Brazilian players and one Chinese Taipei player.
The English coach is expected to equal gametime to many of the 27 members of the squad in today's fixture as part of the squad's preparation for the Asian Games the SAFF Championship.
“All the players will play a part in tomorrow's [Wednesday] game with the Asian squad taking more game time in the last two practice matches,” Day said.
Manager Satyjit Das Rupu informed that they are thinking of implementing the formation and style they want to employ in the upcoming assignments.
“Tomorrow's [Wednesday] match is part of our preparation ahead of two assignments, so we want to see how the players react on the pitch in defending and attacking in the formation,” said Rupu.