DHAKA, Sept 2, 2024 (BSS)-The national booters, currently in Bhutan, 
expressed their fitness concern before the two FIFA friendly matches against 
host Bhutan. 

Bangladesh skipper Jamal Bhuyan said the players are not their best in shape 
at the moment and it would take gradual improvement to regain the fitness 
before the two matches against host Bhutan.

"Today we practiced on the field ....it was very good, the ground is very 
fast ..... the players are having breathing problem though it'll take one or 
two more days to overcome the situation.... I think we all are not in the 
best shape at the moment but we hope to overcome the matter gradually," said 
Jamal during the team's practice session at the Changlimithang Football 
Stadium in Thimphu on Monday.  
  
Jamal said the Bhutanese players are fit in their ongoing mid season. The 
opponents' fitness issues have been discussed in the team and this matter has 
been taken more careful by them.

Midfielder Sohel Rana also echoed the same statement by saying that the 
weather might be proved difficult for the team because players are facing 
breathing problem. 

The midfielder said the present shape of the team is not up to the mark due 
to out of play for a long time. Sohel said the players are improving day by 
day and trying how to take preparation for the matches. 

Defender Rahmat Mia said: "First of all we have joined in the national team's 
training camp after three months gap. Our fitness level is not up to the mark 
..... all are trying to adapt the environment because we're practicing on the 
artificial turf in Bhutan though we are used to play on grass field. The 
coaching staffs are helping us how we can do well on this field ..... we have 
two more days in hand and hope we'll do well on this field." 

The defender said they are aiming to achieve full six points from Bhutan 
matches because these two matches are very important for the team's FIFA 
ranking as well as upcoming AFC Asian Cup. 

He also hoped to return home from Bhutan with full six points. 
 
Team's manager Amer Khan informed that there is no injury problem in the team 
and all the twenty three players, divided into two group, played practice 
match in the field to justify their fitness. 

He said the players are facing a little bit problems to adjust with the 
artificial turf though the coaching staffs are helping the booters to adjust 
with the ground. Overall the players are moving ahead for the two matches, 
there is another team's session tomorrow (Tuesday) and the players would do 
well in that session.  

The Bangladesh national football team will play two away friendly matches 
against host Bhutan in FIFA September window. 

The Javier Cabrera's men will play the first match on September 5 and the 
second one on September 8 in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.