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‘I believe attack is the best defence’
After playing domestic football for 25 years before calling time on his career in 2013, Alfaz Ahmed remains one of the most recognisable names in Bangladesh football. The former national forward has returned to the spotlight after masterminding Mohammedan’s epic triumph against archrivals Abahani in the Federation Cup final on Tuesday. The 49-year-old, who has been with Mohammedan for three seasons, spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about the final and other topics. The excerpts are below:
The Daily Star (DS): You were seen running with the players during the victory lap after the Federation Cup final, reminiscent of your playing days at Mohammedan…
Alfaz Ahmed (AA): I could not control myself [laughs] because I was also so excited after the nerve-wracking final. I could not stop myself. I was really happy after winning such an exciting final.
DS: After the final, you said the substitutions in the second half made the difference. What was lacking in the first half?
AA: In the first half, Abahani’s wingbacks put pressure on our defence by overlapping at every opportunity. So, I sent on three fresh players, including two wingers in an attempt to stop their wingbacks and those changes worked well. Midfielder Alamgir Rana also did his job very well by building up from the back. Some good moves changed the direction of the final.
DS: What is your coaching philosophy?
AA: My philosophy is to play attacking football because I believe attack is the best defence. In the attacking third, you can beat the opposing defenders if it is three-on-three or four-on-four. I try to keep more attackers in the attacking third. Former Mohammedan coach Sean Lane is my coaching idol.
DS: This squad hardly impressed before you took charge. How did transform a mediocre team into champions?
AA: In the first leg of the BPL, Mohammedan played a 4-3-3 with three defensive midfielders, with the idea being to not concede and attack on the break. But since I took the responsibility, I made some changes to the formation, with three types of midfielders -- defensive, playmaking and attacking. We also tried to keep our wingers engaged in both attack and defence throughout the match.
DS: Do you believe the exciting final can lead to a revival in the Mohammedan-Abahani rivalry?
AA: Of course, it is possible. Mohammedan were performing well and gained steam after beating Bashundhara Kings. I think if the management forms a good squad in the coming days, then the rivalry between Mohammedan and Abahani can be revived.
DS: It is being said that the difference between national players and those outside the national set-up is negligible. What do you think about that?
AA: It is true that there is hardly any difference between national players and those outside the national team. Foreign players usually make the difference in matches in Bangladesh.
DS: Did you get an opportunity to work independently?
AA: I made decisions independently, but I want to thank manager Imtiaz Ahmed Nakib and goalkeeping coach Sayed Hasan Kanon bhai, who provided me with good observations. The inclusion of assistant coach Abdul Kaiyum Sentu ahead of the second leg also boosted the coaching staff.
DS: What are your future plans?
AA: I am Mohammedan’s coach for now, but I haven’t been promised anything about next season. If I am given the responsibility, then I will place my plan to the management.