The Bangladesh Football Federation is all set to give national team’s Dutch coach Lodewijk de Kruif a fresh contract despite a whipping loss to Tajikistan in the two-legged Asian Cup qualifier play-offs.
Bangladesh lost the tie 0-6 in aggregate but can still qualify for the qualifier if they can beat Bhutan in the eliminatory play-offs in September and October.BFF officials are in favour of retaining Kruif for the matches before deciding his long-term future.
Kruif, who will fly for Holland today, met BFF president Kazi Salahuddin and two vice-presidents Tabith Awal and Mohiuddin Ahmed Mohi on Wednesday to discuss his future.
Tabith said they have seen some improvement in Bangladesh’s performance in the second-leg, which Kruif’s charges lost 0-1 on Tuesday after wasting several clear chances.
‘We have seen a significant improvement from the away match in team’s performance at home,’ said Tabith, also the deputy chairman of BFF’s national team committee.
‘We created a few chances but couldn’t avail it anyhow.
Tabith said they had a positive discussion with Kruif who he claimed knows the Bangladesh football better than any other.
‘We have discussed about our long-term future with him [Kruif],’ said Tabith.
‘But before that we have to beat Bhutan in the eliminatory play-offs. Hopefully, we will qualify and then we will set a long-term plan.’
Tabith said a few other coaches expressed their interest to work with Bangladesh national team and they will be contacted in case they cannot reach an agreement with Kruif.
‘We are also in touch with few other coaches. I am sure we will appoint a coach before the Bangladesh Premier League starts on July 15.’
Kruif seemed very positive after the meeting and was hopeful of getting a new contract.
‘Everything is clear, both parties are open, let’s see what happens in future,’ said the coach.
‘I have a contract with a club in my country and let’s see how we can come out of that and then we will discuss it further.’
Earlier, Kruif was given charge for the national team exclusively for two matches against Tajikistan.
-With New Age input
