New coach, new energy: Jamal eyes fresh start under Dooley

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan is hoping for a fresh start under newly appointed coach Thomas Dooley as the national team gears up for the June 5 international friendly against San Marino.

The Bangladesh Football Federation on Monday announced a 30-member preliminary squad for the upcoming friendly, which will mark Bangladesh’s first-ever football trip to Europe for an international fixture.

Joining the camp at Kings Arena, Jamal expressed optimism over the squad and the opportunity awaiting the team.

“Expectations are high because the squad is very good and very strong. And this is the first time we’ll be going to Europe to play, so the feeling will be a bit different,” Jamal told reporters.

“The weather and climate are different compared to Asia. Once we go there, we’ll understand how we need to adapt. It’s going to be a totally different kind of match from what we’re used to, so it’s exciting.”

The veteran midfielder also opened up about his difficult spell under former coach Javier Cabrera, during whose tenure he often struggled for regular game time.

“I hope this is a new coach and a new start. Previously, the coach didn’t really prefer me — everyone knew that. So, I hope with the new coach, it will be new energy, a new start, everything new. Here, I will give my best,” he said.

Jamal added that he was yet to have a conversation with Dooley, with the squad assembling for the first time on Monday.

“Today will be the first time we meet. Today will be the first time I talk with him,” he said.

The national team’s training session is scheduled to begin at 6:00pm at Kings Arena, although preparations have been compressed ahead of the high-profile friendly.

Responding to questions over the short preparation period, Jamal explained that the conclusion of the domestic league on May 23 had limited the federation’s options.

“The camp was actually supposed to start yesterday. Since the league ended on May 23, the management felt the players needed some rest — at least one day,” he said.

“Because of the league, we couldn’t start the camp earlier. But of course, when a new coach comes in, he needs some time — that’s normal.”

PWD Sporting Club forward Minhazul Karim Shadhin was the only new inclusion in the preliminary squad.

Meanwhile, expatriate footballers Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome and Zayyan Ahmed will not join the camp in Dhaka and are expected to link up with the team directly in San Marino. Another overseas-based player, Fahamedul Islam, has already arrived in Dhaka for the camp.

The camp began with 16 players, while footballers from Bashundhara Kings are expected to join later.

Bangladesh are scheduled to depart for San Marino on May 31 following six days of training in Dhaka. The friendly will also serve as the first international assignment for Dooley since taking charge of the national side.