After a hectic second-phase of the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League where 55 matches were played in 50 days, the national footballers yesterday returned for preparation ahead of the upcoming World Cup and Asian Cup Qualifiers against Australia and Jordan.

The exhausted players apparently need recharging physically and mentally before facing Australia on September 3 in Perth  and coach Lodewijk de Kruif promised that he would work on to bring a balance and good feeling among the players instead of going into the heavy tasks.  

“We are really tired after playing so many matches in a short period of time. We need physical and mental rest,” said captain Mamunul Islam. “The short period of training is not a problem as all the players have been in continuous action. This group of players have been together for the last two years, so there will not be any problem of communication among us.”

Mamunul and Co. are excited to play against the Asian champions and at the same time they are determined to give their best to gain some confidence before facing Jordan at home on September 8.

“Everyone knows that there is a gulf of difference between Bangladesh and Australia, who havea number of Europe-based players. We will be trying to give more than our best to gain confidence to do well against Jordan,” said Mamunul.

Striker Zahid Hasan Emily believes playing against Australia would be a big event in their footballing career.  

“We don't know when Bangladesh will get another chance to play against Australia. So this will be a big moment for the players,” said Emily. “However, we want to make Australia feel that Bangladesh football is improving.”

De Kruif said that they are now focused on three matches (friendly against Malaysia before the Australia and Jordan fixtures) and the result against Malaysia is not that important to him as he wants to work out the way his team will play against Australia through that friendly.

“The players are little tired and I am not pushing them for things like conditional training. It is about having a good feeling and bringing balance among the players before going into the difficult match. We will try to do well and try to give everything for the country,” De Kruif told the players in his short briefing before start of training at the BFF artificial turf.

Meanwhile, striker Aminur Rahman Sajib has been included in place defender Nasiruddin Chowdhury, who has been suffering from dengue.