Salahuddin 'won't interfere with team selection'

Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin said he won't interfere with player selection despite his vast technical experience of the game.

The former star player said he believes Bangladesh have the ability to do something really good in the upcoming SAFF Championship, which kicks off in Bengaluru on June 21.

"I will not interfere with team selection. I may have or have not vast technical knowledge, but I won't interfere. I may have side discussion with the coaches," the BFF boss told reporters in the first practice session at the Bashundhara Kings Arena today.

Salahuddin said he saw in past that the players don't go to the field with a winning mentality, which is what he wants to be changed.

Bangladesh players train at the Kings Arena on Monday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"I came here to tell the players that you don't lose the matches before getting on to the pitch. The result will come after 90 minutes. Whether you win or lose, go there feeling you are as good as them," Salahuddin said.

The veteran football official said the current squad have a few players who can make the difference in matches.

"I sincerely believe that they will do very well because there are a few players who I can see made the difference in the league. There have been a massive development in two to four players from the past. There are also some new players," Salahuddin said when asked why he is positive despite the team constantly failing to meet expectations in the past.