Topu calls for collective defensive effort

Fit-again centre-back Topu Barman has stressed the importance of collective defending as Bangladesh prepare to begin their SAFF Championship campaign against Bhutan in Dhaka on November 5.

Under German-American coach Thomas Dooley, Bangladesh have conceded 14 goals in four matches, including nine against Indonesia, while scoring only four. Topu missed the last three matches of the FIFA ASEAN Cup after scoring both goals in Bangladesh’s 2-1 win over San Marino in June.

His absence exposed the backline against stronger opposition, with Tariq Kazi, Shakil Ahad Topu and Zidane Yousuf struggling to contain the pressure. However, the Bashundhara Kings defender believes Bangladesh can improve with a collective effort as they began preparations for the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium on Monday.

“When you concede goals, the goalkeeper and defenders have to face it. But I think the most important thing is team defending, which is very important in world football. If we can perform as a team defensively, we will definitely not concede so many goals,” Topu told reporters.

Recalling the ASEAN Cup defeats, he said: “We conceded three goals in the first match [against Malaysia] and nine in the last match [against Indonesia]. It is very disappointing, and I don't know when we last conceded nine goals. If I can play, I will give my best and have a role in guiding others from the back.”

Topu is expected to partner young defender Zidane, who featured in all three ASEAN Cup matches after playing in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Uzbekistan. The experienced centre-back believes the exposure will benefit his younger teammate.

“He is very young but has already played at a high level in the ASEAN Cup. He has gained good experience. At this level, a defender needs a strong mentality, physical strength and good performance, and he has all those qualities,” Topu said.

Having trained with Zidane in the previous camp, Topu expects the pair to develop a good understanding during the nine days before Bangladesh’s opening match.

Bangladesh will also be without Hamza Choudhury against Bhutan, but Topu believes the team can compensate for his absence through collective effort.

“We will miss our most important player, Hamza, especially for the first match. But if we can play well as a team, we can cover his absence. The first match is very important,” he said.

Bangladesh are targeting their first SAFF Championship title in 23 years, with the tournament being held on home soil.

“You have to beat everyone to become champions, and we have to go onto the pitch with that mentality. SAFF is very special for us, and we want to win the trophy again,” Topu said.