Ord finally gets hands on U-18s
Bangladesh coach Andrew Ord yesterday got back to business, after having guided the U-23 national football team in the AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers, as he began preparing the U-18 national team for this month's SAFF U-18 Championship and October's AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers.
All 32 members of preliminary squad, barring Farashganj midfielder Mohammad Sujan, reported on the opening day of the five-day training camp and had their first training session under the British-born Australian coach's supervision at the BKSP.
Although 40 players were initially selected from open trials for the formation of the squad, the 37-year-old coach picked players from the Bangladesh Premier League. And now a majority – 27 of the 32 members of the squad -- are from clubs participating in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League. Three others are from the Bangladesh Championship League clubs and one another each from BKSP and Jessore.
As the players have been busy with their commitments to their clubs, there were no opportunities to train together, but Ord has finally gotten five days to work with the boys owing to the domestic break for Eid-ul-Adha.
"These five days are just an introduction to our playing style for the players. We will look to work on our basic shape and try to build up some team spirit and prepare for the challenges ahead," Ord explained.
After the five-day programme, the footballers will return to their clubs, before restarting training from September 11 and then taking part in the SAFF U-18 Championship, which is scheduled to begin on September 18 in Bhutan.
Although Ord believed that playing in the BPL would keep the players match fit, he added that international tournaments were vastly different to domestic competitions.
"It is incorrect to say most players are playing in the [Bangladesh Premier League]. Only 50 per cent are starting games and playing regularly. This is great for their physical condition.
"But the way we approach an international tournament is vastly different to the way BPL football is played. India and Nepal have been in training camps full-time for weeks and even Bhutan have a full time U-19 programme. We need to spend time together to get everyone comfortable with our tactics," said Ord.
Bangladesh were eliminated from the semifinals last time around in 2015 after suffering a 4-3 defeat to India on penalties. However, they defeated Bhutan 2-0 and a handed a 1-2 defeat to ultimate champions Nepal in group-stage matches.
This time, Bangladesh have been pitted against hosts Bhutan and last edition's runners-up India in Group A, while Group B includes Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
"We want to be successful but to do that we need proper time for preparation. I'm hopeful that everyone can find a compromise moving forward," hoped Ord.