‘Cool and controlled’

Bangladesh’s national hockey team hammered the Under-20 side 9-2 on Wednesday, but head coach Peter Gerhard wants his players to look beyond the scoreline and develop a more ‘cool and controlled’ approach ahead of the Asian Games.

"They must become cooler. This is our problem. They have to be more patient,” he said at Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium. “As long as we are playing, staying cool and we keep the ball, we control the game; nothing can happen."

The victory came in the senior side’s third practice match against the U-20s as both teams stepped up preparations for their respective international assignments. The U-20 side are also gearing up for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup.

Despite the nine-goal haul, Gerhard placed greater emphasis on his players’ composure, mental strength and ability to handle pressure than on the margin of victory.

The German coach believes such matches are crucial for building confidence, particularly compared with routine 11-a-side games within the squad.

Playing against a different opposition, he feels, gives his players a better test of their decision-making and ability to respond when the game does not go according to plan.