Bangladesh coach optimistic despite gulf in ranking

Bangladesh national team head coach Jamie Day is looking forward to producing positive results in Bishkek as the Three Nations Cup involving Palestine, Bangladesh and hosts Kyrgyzstan is all set to get underway tomorrow.

The curtain of the tournament will open through the match between hosts Kyrgyzstan and Palestine.

Bangladesh will take on Palestine and Kyrgyzstan on Sept 5 and 7 before playing a match against Kyrgyzstan U-23 team on Sept 9 as part of their preparation for October's SAFF Championship in Maldives. Jamie has taken this opportunity to apply the new playing formation as well as test some of his players, which includes two expatriate players.   

"For us, it is a good preparation for the SAFF Championship we have in October and it's an opportunity to see the squad over three games in five days, so it is going to be tough for us playing against strong opponents but it will help us during the tournament in October," Jaime told the media at a pre-tournament conference in Bishkek today.

During the pre-tournament press conference. Photo: Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF)

Despite a gulf in FIFA ranking with Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan and Palestine ranked on 188, 101 and 102 respectively, Jamie expects to produce positive results and through this experience, his charges will be aided a lot in upcoming SAFF Championship.

"I think there is a big difference in class and no space behind us. Kyrgyzstan and Palestine are strong teams and it will be tough games for us. 

"It is a good opportunity to test us against the good opposition.  We are really looking forward to the positive results and will be pleased if we can do that. For us, we' look to play well and take it into the competition of the SAFF Championship," said the British coach.