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BFF promises Cruciani a free hand

SPORTS REPORTER
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will give new national team coach Diego Andres Cruciani absolute freedom, said National Team Management Committee (NTMC) chairman Kazi Salahuddin after Cruciani and his fellow Argentine trainer Victor Ariel Colman signed a one-year contract at the BFF Bhaban yesterday.
It ended the federation's two-and-a-half year run without a coach for the national side. Cruciani's primary task during his one-year stint will be to build a strong squad for the SAFF Championship in Pakistan in December.
"My job here isn't different from my work elsewhere. I want to work here as I did in the past," said the 42-year-old at a press conference.
"I have seen only one match here yesterday and my first impression of Bangladesh football is that the
players lack technique and tactical awareness."
Cruciani, who is the tenth foreign coach appointed by the BFF, succeeds Austrian George Kottan who quit in February 2003.
"I have witnessed both the good and bad sides but with hard work, these can be improved. I know there is a gulf between Latin and Asian styles but I will try to apply what I have in my head.
Cruciani, who has a daughter but is separated from her and his wife for three years, will receive 4,000 dollars per month as salary while Colman will get 2,000 dollars. The BFF will also provide the duo with local hospitality.
"The Brazilians and Argentines play touch-football but to do that you need great skill. I will give emphasis on training and fitness first. But before that, I will have to see the players with whom I will work.
"For me, (Cesar Luis) Menotti is the master of all. I have learned a lot from him during my days at the Independiente club," said Cruciani, who worked with the Argentine 1978
World Cup winning coach and football philosopher who had changed the face of South American football, helping it regain control from their European counterparts in the 70s.
Cruciani, who was Menotti's assistant in 1998-99 at the Buenos Aires club, also claimed that at under-19 level, he played against living football legend Diego Maradona in one match.
The appointment of the new coach definitely elated the BFF high officials and president SA Sultan, who handed over the contract signed by the two Argentines, BFF general secretary Anwarul Hoque Helal and Salahuddin, termed it as fulfilling their promise of bringing a coach from Latin America.
Former national footballer Salahuddin, arguably the best striker the country has ever produced, told that it was a new beginning for football.
"Coaches have come and gone but we don't want to dwell in the past. We will extend their contract if they are successful. They will look
BFF promises
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after the national team and the under-23 team only. If we want to use them elsewhere, we will need a new contract. But they have promised us to give advice to local coaches at age-group level," said Salahuddin.
"We will give him absolute freedom and all the support he needs."
Bangladesh have used three Asian coaches and six from Europe in the past and when asked if the change would have any effect, Salahuddin said it would not be a problem.
"The difference between Europe and South America is in style only. But most of the big European clubs are now being dominated by players from Latin America. So, I think it won't be a problem. "