If I were coach, I’d start myself against India: Jamal

Captain Jamal Bhuiyan said he would pick himself in the starting eleven against India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers if he were given the responsibility of head coach.

Jamal made the remark while speaking to reporters on Thursday after reporting to team manager Amer Khan, as 14 players turned up for the residential camp ahead of the India clash on November 18 at the National Stadium.

With Spanish coach Javier Cabrera currently in Spain with his newborn child, the players are set to begin training from Friday under the guidance of assistant coaches. Cabrera is expected to join the camp on November 3, the same day the Bashundhara Kings players arrive following the completion of their AFC Challenge League campaign in Kuwait.

Asked about his chances of starting against India, Jamal said, "If I am the coach, I don't want to sit on the bench. However, playing in the starting eleven depends on the decision of the coach."

Jamal came off the bench in both matches against Hong Kong after remaining unused in the game against Singapore in June.

"Today is the first day of the camp and the full squad has not joined yet, but I expect everyone, including Hamza and Shamit, to join within a few days," Jamal said. "It's a big match against India because there is history between Bangladesh and India. We want to win since India are coming to play in Bangladesh after a long gap."

Manager Amer Khan informed that Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome will be available for the international friendly against Nepal on November 13. Hamza is expected to arrive on November 10, while Shamit's arrival from Canada will be confirmed after his match on November 8.

Amer also explained the reasoning behind starting the camp early.

"The decision to start preparation early was taken by the federation with the available players because they are now out of action, which makes them casual," Amer said. "The players from Bashundhara Kings are likely to join on November 3, and by then the coach will also be back."

The players who joined the camp are Shakil Hossain, Quazem Kirmane, Mitul, Ibrahim, Al Amin, Sheikh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuiyan, Sujan Hossain, Rahmat Mia, Shakil Ahad Topu, Abdullah Omar, Tareq Raihan Kazi, Zayyan Ahmed, and Arman Faisal Akash.