Spanish Javier Fernández Cabrera takes the charge of head coach of the Bangladesh national football team on 19 January. The 37-year-old Spaniard talked to Prothom Alo about his vision, plan and challenge.
Q :
You became the coach of a national team for the first time. Why did you not reveal it in social media?
It is a matter of pride to become a coach of the national team. However, I do not feel the urge to disclose it for the time being. It is important to do a good work. I want to inform everyone after doing a good work.
Q :
You have been called a low profile coach at a press briefing. How much embarrassing it is for you?
I respect everyone’s opinion. I am proud of my skill. I was responsible for one of the five best football academies in Spain and worked at professional clubs. I am confident I would change your perception.
Q :
How much hopeful are you being a coach of such team?
It is obviously possible to do good things once a strategic infrastructure can be formed. Though I will take the responsibility of the good and the bad, everyone including assistant coach, goalkeeper coach, technical director, nutritionist, match analyst will have do this work together. We have to find out the best player and I will need time. You will see something new in the national team’s next camp in March.
Q :
Bangladesh Football Federation president told you, “The team must not concede defeat with last minute’s goal.” What is the solution to it?
Solution will have to find by creating pressure situation during practice. Players will have to give small instructions during math. I know it is not an easy task.
Q :
You want to give the Bangladesh team an identity as a football team. How will you do it?
I will inform the players at the beginning what will be the style and mentality of our team. We will obviously want victory. We have to develop a mentality to fight on the field, it does not matter how much big team we play against. My first task will be searching for physically and mentally strong players. It is my responsibility as part on team building.
Q :
You will have to work with the players who have failed to get the two doses of Covid-19, eventually prompting to match cancelation.
I will not comment on it now. What does it mean to be a professional player; I will talk to the player about it. Every problem has its solution.
Q :
Another Spaniard Oscar Bruzon was the head coach of the national team during the SAFF Championship and you were his assistant at the FC Goa in India? Had you had any discussion with him?
I talked to Oscar Bruzon after Bangladesh Football Federation contacted me. He assured me of his cooperation. Overall, I received a positive response from him and that helped me take a decision on coming here.
Q :
Whom do you follow as the coach?
I follow Spain national team coach Luis Enrique. Because he has not only used Spanish style but also added slightly English style. Sometimes his team plays with short pass, sometime they attack with long pass. If a goal can be scored playing both passes, there is no need for playing more passes.
Q :
How are you enjoying in Bangladesh?
I am fascinated by the hospitality here. Dhaka is a busy city. Everyone is in a rush all the time. I also find similarities with India. Like there, I, too, eat ruti (bread) and dal (lentil soup) in Bangladesh.