‘The first step is to create chances and we did that’

Having played two FIFA-sanctioned friendlies last week, Bangladesh national team coach Javier Cabrera wants to now shift his focus to the Asian Cup Qualification round in June by analysing Bangladesh's opponents.

He also stressed that he would be selecting players based on their performances in the Bangladesh Premier League.

"First of all, we need to review what we did over the past 10 days. Then we have to follow BPL matches. We absolutely need to enlist players on the basis of their performances and we also have to follow our rivals [in the Asian Cup Qualification round] and get to know them," the Spaniard told reporters yesterday.

"Malaysia are potentially going to play against Uzbekistan and Bahrain are also scheduled to play some matches. We need to analyse them properly and see their strengths. According to that, we will be able to organise a camp and focus on getting the best results," the 37-year-old added.

Bangladesh suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Maldives on March 24 before playing out a goalless draw against Mongolia in Sylhet on March 29 where the team missed numerous chances. However, Cabrera is confident his strikers will find their shooting boots soon.

"We got clear chances in the matches. There were good attempts that, had they been converted, could have seen us win the matches. But I think the first step is to create chances and we did that against Mongolia. I have total confidence not only in the strikers but also in the rest of the attacking players."

Cabrera did not share the insights he had gained from the two friendlies, but he said he saw plenty of positives.

"I think there were many positive things. These were friendly matches and we had to focus more on ourselves than the rivals. We had to show that we could implement the concepts we want to develop. I feel we achieved something short of the identity that we need to follow."