Dooley dreams of SAFF victory on home soil
Bangladesh national football team coach Thomas Dooley. Agamir Somoy photo.
The biggest event of South Asian football, the SAFF Championship, is set to take place in Dhaka this November. Ahead of the tournament, Bangladesh national football team coach Thomas Dooley is confident and upbeat.
While speaking to the journalists at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday during the unveiling of the SAFF logo, he openly discussed his strong desire to win the tournament and the team's preparations. With the mission to bring the SAFF trophy home after 23 long years, Dooley is placing the greatest emphasis on his game plan and the team's mentality.
Dooley has played in two World Cups for the United States. After retiring, he served as an assistant coach for the US national team for four years. He has also coached teams like the Philippines and Guyana. Throughout his illustrious career, Dooley has cultivated a winning mentality. He says he wants to instil that same positive mindset within the Bangladesh team.
He wants to prioritise playing in tournaments over friendlies and aims for victory in every match. Regardless of the opponent, winning is his sole desire: "It doesn't matter who we play against. If we play Germany, Brazil, Argentina, or any other team, I want to win. So this is the kind of mentality I need to spread among the players so that they think the same way."
Noting that the squad features a mix of young and experienced players, the coach said each of them has earned their place in the national team with their own qualities. He has urged the footballers to give their best on the pitch: "We want to put on a performance that leaves the fans going home satisfied, not disappointed. I don't want them to turn their backs. I want them to say they liked the way the team played, and I want them to go home happy with a victory."
Bangladesh will play the SAFF at home after eight years. So the coach sees no alternative to winning the trophy: "The main goal of the tournament? What do you think…? Of course, to be champions. I have only one message for the players—go out on the pitch and give it everything you've got. If the other team plays better or wins after that, that will be our misfortune. Until that point, we must give our best effort. But they can make mistakes. My request to the spectators is not to be too harsh if they make mistakes, because even footballers who earn millions of dollars playing in World Cups make mistakes."
The biggest advantage of being hosts is the home crowd. Thomas Dooley has called on the fans to come to the stadium. He wants them to turn up, cheer for the team, and create noise in the stands to put extra pressure on the opposition. The coach wants to give the team the best possible preparation to end the 23-year drought of the elusive trophy.
Whether Dooley's unwavering mentality and clear strategy can bring Bangladesh the desired success remains to be seen.
