Players mentally ready-Football

After experiments to inject too much fresh blood into the national team failed during the AFC Challenge Cup and the SAFF Football Championship earlier this year, new coach Shafiqul Islam Manik will return to experience when he takes Bangladesh into his first assignment.Manik, who begins his mission with this month's Merdeka Cup in Malaysia (October 15-25), has packed up his brief training camp with 28 probables at the BKSP on Saturday and believes that the residential camp has given him the time to assess the team's strength and limitations.

"It was not enough but the seven-day camp was not bad. I have checked fitness level and also tested the players for discipline and commitment," the former international defender told The Daily Star yesterday."I have found out that the players are mentally prepared for an international tournament. Although their fitness level is not where I would have liked it but they are ready to give hundred percent of what they have."Its not possible to get from a brief camp what can be achieved after spending long time together.

Also, the players will have to play one more round in the B. League before our trip to Malaysia. So I could not give them maximum pressure considering their club commitments," said Manik, who will make the final selection after the fourth round matches of the B. League, which starts tomorrow after the Eid vacations."This round is vital because many good players, currently out of form or a bit injured, could come out as winners," added Manik, who will have to trim his squad to 20.Manik's bid to bring back the senior players, not considered in the recent past for the national team, faces the injury barrier though.Sujan, Matiur Munna and Titu are the brightest contenders to come back but need to prove their fitness by this week.

"I will not carry someone who can't play at all. But minor injuries I can overlook." Manik said he tried to improve conditions of those who lacked stamina. "Among the lot, I am more worried about Titu's groin injury. Unlike the others, he did not get the right environment at his club (Muktijoddha) to recover. He is a utility player, can play at both flanks and very attacking minded."Titu's efficiency as right- or left-back would also cover for lack of supporting fullbacks for Waly Faisal and Hassan Al Mamun, although Manik, whose love for the 3-5-2 system is familiar, has been planning to use the latter as one of three centre-backs."It is not a defensive format as many suggest. It can be very positive if you have two aggressive fullbacks.

If Titu is available, it would be a plus point because if fully fit, he can beat opponent from anywhere."However, using the more attacking Zahid Hossain or the consistently inconsistent Ariful as rightback could well be the Achilles' heel of Manik's side.Originally a central defender, Ariful has had been responsible for gifting goals to oppositions in almost every international match he has started but coaches do pick him up for his so-called talents."He drifts away from the game and sometimes can't take instant decision. But a player like him must be given exposure," Manik said in defence of the youngster.Manik's only difficulty to choose would be between Aminul and Biplab under the bar as he thinks both are of similar calibre."It's good to have two good keepers. But due to height and other little things, Aminul has slight advantage.

"Manik's main task, however, would be to find a playmaker in midfield as Arman Mia's departure from the game has left a big void."We don't have anyone of such class. Munna was his contemporary and the closest we have now to Arman. He has the experience and the capability to deliver a tremendous pass for the strikers or open up the rival defence. Abul is good and Mamun is an impressive upcoming player but both need to mature a lot. My first choice would be a fully fit Munna in the attacking role because Arman Aziz, Pranotosh or Sharif can easily fit in the role of the holding midfielder.

"Manik also admitted that he doesn't have an outstanding striker."The attack will build around Emily. He has not started the season well and has limitations but may be one match will change all that. Alfaz has already scored a hattrick but he may not get that much chances in an international match. Still, he has fought back from retirement and we can use his knowledge and skill. Enamul is also a fighting player."