Rach Gerhard Peter, the German coach of the national hockey team, pledged higher training facilities for the national players during their stay in Germany.
Rach, who signed a four-month deal with the Bangladesh Hockey Federation on a monthly salary of $3000, clarified his position regarding the European tour at a press conference at the federation office on Saturday.
The German, who has been coaching the Bangladesh hockey team for the last 18 months without any official agreement, said this time the story will be different. ‘On the previous tour the players were scattered throughout Germany but this time the positive thing is that 14 of the players will be based in one city, we will train together twice a week and also play matches,’ said Rach.
The German coach said this time the players will enjoy world class facilities. ‘This time the training will of higher level and at the same time intensive, I have arranged fitness programmes with Klaus Broseous, a former Olympian and one of the top-rated trainers in Germany.’
Rach also clarified his position regarding the payment of the players. ‘How do you expect that Bangladesh players will earn money playing hockey in Germany, even the Korean players are considered second grade in world hockey, I never said that the players will earn money in Germany, they will have free accommodation and food along with a pocket money of five euro per day,’ said Rach.
Rach said all the Asian powerhouses are in Europe for extensive training and compared to them Bangladesh lag far behind.
He also added that changes might take place in Germany as the players who fail to put in good performance may be sent back home and the players who are training in Dhaka may replace them.
Talking about the target in the Asia Cup, Rach said sixth place will be a sensible one but Bangladesh have to beat Pakistan, India or Japan to achieve it which may be too difficult.
Goalkeepers Zahid and Rasel, defenders Pintu, Sujan and Taposh, midfielders Nannu, Firoz and Shumon, forwards Habul and Prince will play for SW Bonn. Jimmy and Chayan will take the field for OD Düsseldorf, Rana and Niloy will wear the jerseys of CR Duisburg, while Biplob, Turjo, Pushkor Khisha and Krishna will play for Austrian side SV Wein.
