The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is set to offer Dutch coach Lodewijk de Kruif another partial contract for the national team's Asian Cup qualifying playoff against Bhutan in September and October following the team's 'significant improvement' in the home match against Tajikistan.

BFF president Kazi Salahuddin, vice presidents Mohiuddin Ahmed Mohi and Tabith Awal yesterday had a meeting with de Kruif, who is scheduled to leave for Netherlands this morning.

“We have seen a significant improvement of the national team from the away match to the home match. Today was the end of our small contract with our head coach Lodewijk de Kruif.

“We have had discussion with the BFF president for a long-term plan in which we have a plan to play against Bhutan in the playoff of the Asian Cup qualification and hopefully we will qualify for the next round. Once we confirm a plan, based on which we look forward to a new negotiation, according to which de Kruif and a team of coaching staff will be offered a new contract,” said Tabith after the meeting.

Bangladesh had suffered a 5-0 defeat against Tajikistan in Dushanbe last week before getting away with a 1-0 defeat at home on Tuesday. The result saw Tajikistan through to the third qualifying round of the Asian Cup, leaving Bangladesh with an elimination playoff against Bhutan.

It has been learnt that de Kruif has been asked to return to Bangladesh by July 13, two days before the start of the professional football league, to take charge and search for new players from the league. However, the Dutchman has not given his final words citing that he has a contract with a local club in the Netherlands and that he might give his consent after returning home.

De Kruif has guided Bangladesh national team and the Bangladesh U-23 in four wins, five draws and 12 defeats in overall 21 matches.