De kruif talks to Soceroos.com
Dhaka, 26 August 2015: Bangladesh flies to Malaysia on their way to Australia on Wednesday to play the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against the Soceroos at Perth on September 3. On the eve of departure.
Asian football expert
John Duerden meets Bangladesh's Dutch coach and learns more about their team's
preparations and plans ahead of the nations' expectations.
Bangladesh's head coach
has warned Australia that the South Asians are coming to Perth ready for
action. What's more, he’d like to work in Australia if the chance arises...
Australia, meet ambitious Dutchman Lodewijk de Kruif.
His Bengal Tigers
recovered from a 3-1 home loss to Kyrgyzstan on June 11 to draw 1-1 in
Tajikistan five days later and de Kruif is looking forward to a first meeting
with the reigning Asian champions in their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Qualifier™on September 3 in the WA capital.
“Facing the number one
team in Asia will force us to be careful,” the Dutch mentor toldÂÂ www.socceroos.com.au.
“They have great players
with experience in big leagues. We respect them but we will not hide. This is
absolutely no tourist trip.
“All my players are full
professionals and most became big stars in the last three years. We have good
quality players. I expect lots of learning moments, a great atmosphere and a
massive experience for my players.”
The coach concedes that
finishing in the top two and trying to get to the final round of qualification
is unlikely but wants to finish as high as possible in Group B. After all,
there is a chance to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
“Before we started the
qualifiers I was focused on third place. It’s a high target but when your
target is zero then don't play in professional sport.”ÂÂÂÂ
There are still
headaches, though. The team's Achilles heel is a tendency to concede late
goals. It happened at home to Tajikistan in June. It has been something that de
Kruif has complained about on plenty of occasions.
“It's a concentration
problem. If players are used to playing at a high international level then they
can he play ninety minutes with full concentration and focus.”
De Kruif came to Dhaka
in 2013 and has been trying to change the way the team play.
“When I came in less
then three years ago, Bangladesh was playing an old English style with long
balls and from there fighting for the second ball to see what will happen.
“There were big spaces
between the lines when they had the ball and when the opponent had the ball and
no clear organisation in the team's tactical discipline.
“We worked on that with
some Dutch style influences and we created our own game. Let's say it’s the
only style I can lecture, that’s where I was brought up. My players adapted to
the style very well, there's always work to do but up until now I am
satisfied.”
For Bangladesh, the
game, big though it undoubtedly is, is another step on the road marked
“development” and a valuable look around the home of one of Asia's biggest and
best.
“Football is very alive
in Bangladesh. We have a population of 180 million and there are many talents.
We just have to find them, give them a good football education with educated
coaches.
“Create academies over
the country open for different age categories. Organize youth leagues and
tournaments and make a connection to school football. This way a good
foundation is guaranteed.
“Step by step we are
making a great progression. I want to make Bangladesh a stronger national team
and professionalize all levels of football.”
And the game is not only
a chance for Bangladesh to play the Asian champions in a competitive game, it
is also a chance for the Dutch boss to show locals what he is capable of.
“It's a fighting job to
survive in Bangladesh but I like it. I am interested to work in Australia. With
my experience, education and background I expect to fit in the Australian
system perfectly.”