Maruful paints a sorry picture

Under-fire Bangladesh coach Maruful Haque reiterated his stance on the possibility of an extension of contract with the national time while portraying a sorry picture for the future during the post-match press conference yesterday.

Having led the team to a 3-0 victory over Bhutan in the last group phase match of the SAFF Suzuki Cup yesterday following two frustrating defeats against Afghanistan and Maldives, the 46-year-old coach found no reason to celebrate as he felt this victory did not atone for the earlier sins.

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“There is no question of escaping the liability. We had come here with the aim of becoming the champions, and we are leaving from the group stages,” Maruful said. “Maybe we have ended a long winless streak, but we were expected to win against a side we never lost to previously and used to win handsomely.”

The UEFA-A licensed coach, however, bemoaned the lack of maturity and clinic of his side as Bangladesh forwards yesterday wasted a handful of chances against Bhutan, who were reduced to ten men in the 23rd minute.

“I'm disappointed with the performance because our team played immature football and could not take advantage of playing against ten men. They probably lacked concentration and were relaxed for some reason,” opined Maruful.

The Sheikh Russel KC coach, who was handed the national team's job for the SAFF Cup only, said he would only consider a proposition from the BFF if it is a long-term one. 

“I didn't have a talk with him [the BFF boss] and I don't know [whether I'll be offered a new contract]. But I would only consider a proposition if it is of a long-term nature,” said Maruful.

The successful domestic coach felt that the future of Bangladesh football is 'full of problems'. 

“There are not enough quality players in the pipeline and not enough quality work being done at grassroots level compared to the other teams of the region. We need more confidence in our players and more aggressive football from them to change this situation,” explained Maruful.