There’s a storm swirling around Bangladesh’s football scene. After a 2-1 loss to Singapore on home ground, people are starting to ask tough questions.
Not just fans.
Former players, analysts, even officials from the Bangladesh Football Federation are pointing fingers at head coach Javier Cabrera. Some are saying it’s time for him to go.
Player Selection Decisions Raise Eyebrows
The criticism? It’s not vague. It’s detailed, sometimes harsh, and focused.
Many can’t understand why midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan was left out of the starting eleven. He played well against Bhutan, even assisted a goal from a corner. So when Bangladesh earned 11 corners against Singapore and couldn’t convert, people noticed his absence.
“He’s our best man in set pieces,” said former player Zahid Hossain Emily. “Leaving him out didn’t make sense.”
Bhuiyan was at the press conference, still the captain. But the next day? Not on the pitch. Not even brought in as a sub.
Then there’s the case of Rakib Hossain. A forward by position, yet in the second half, right after Bangladesh took the lead, he was suddenly playing right-back. No one seems to understand that move either.
And what about Sohail Rana? Scored in the last match, didn’t even get a minute this time.
It’s not just about player selection. It’s about decision-making. Timing. Purpose.
Internal Calls for Cabrera’s Exit
Now, even inside the federation, the cracks are showing.
At a recent press briefing, BFF executive member Shakawat Hossain Bhuiyan didn’t hold back. He openly called for Cabrera’s resignation, saying it reflects what the people want. “This is what 180 million Bangladeshis are asking for,” he said.
That’s not just a personal opinion. When someone from inside the BFF says it, it carries more weight.
But not everyone agrees. Tabith Awal, another official, said it was “unfortunate” and that internal discussions are still ongoing. He urged patience, saying a review process would guide their next steps.
What Happens If Cabrera Is Removed?
Getting a proper coach doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process. One that usually takes months.
Even in cricket, it’s not easy.
And in football? It’s slower.
Right now, the team needs more than just a coach. They need someone who truly gets how things work here—someone the players trust, who feels at home in our football culture, and knows how to keep steady when the pressure builds. October’s match against Hong Kong is getting closer, and the clock isn’t slowing down. Not much time between now and then.
Let’s say they hire someone new next month. That coach would still need time to observe players, adjust tactics, and run training. One month isn’t enough. Probably not even two.
So some are saying maybe just stick with Cabrera until after October.
Could a Local Coach Fill the Gap?
There’s another path. A local coach.
But does the current crop of local coaches have what it takes? That’s debatable. Saiful Bari Titu, also known as Choton Bhai, has filled in before. But critics say Bangladesh needs more than just a temporary fix.
There’s also the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September. Bangladesh will face tough opponents there too: Yemen, Singapore, Vietnam. Who’s coaching that squad? That’s another decision still pending.
Some believe Cabrera might be asked to handle both roles. Others think the federation will assign someone new for the Under-23 team.
Big Decisions Ahead, Not Much Time
Either way, there’s no shortage of decisions to make.
And time’s ticking.
Because if they really want to replace Cabrera, they should’ve started planning weeks ago. Maybe even months.
Now, even if talks begin today, finding a quality coach could take three months. And by then, the Hong Kong matches will already be here.
So will they stick or twist?
Nobody knows yet, but the pressure is real. The noise is loud.
And everyone’s watching.
