Bangladesh football team coach Jamie Day praised India's head coach Igor Stimac and expressed his eagerness to meet the Croatian when India takes on Bangladesh in the World Cup qualifier match on October 15 at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata.
"I have seen the progress India has made in recent times. In fact, the team made great strides under an English coach before Igor Stimac took over. I haven't met or spoken to Igor. But I am looking forward to meeting him soon," Day told All India Football Federation's official website on Friday.
Day felt that his team is fully-prepared for the clash against India following its two friendlies against Bhutan and Thursday's WC qualifier match against Qatar, which it lost 2-0.
"The three matches have helped us immensely to maintain our fitness. We also got the chance to work on a few ideas during the friendly matches. The Qatar match was extremely tough. We look forward to carry all the positives into the match against India," he told AIFF's website, on Friday.
READ | India's game versus Qatar motivates us, says Bangladesh coach
Bangladesh, currently ranked 187th, has looked an improved side under the Day's coaching as it won seven of its 13 international matches since May 2018 and the Englishman hopes to build on the foundation.
"I think we have become stronger as a team, and are much organised at the moment. All of that has made us a difficult team to beat. But we also intend to build on that, and make no mistake -- we have now learnt how to win matches since I have taken over," he said.
The former Arsenal and Bournemouth player also felt that promoting young players form the U-23 side has also helped with the recent results.
"The U-23 Bangladesh boys did exceptionally well in the Asian Games. We wanted to test and push them further. But at the same time, I also believe you need some experience around them to help guide during camps, and International matches," Day said.
Day also felt that arriving in Kolkata immediately after the qualifier against Qatar will help his team settle down and prepare for the clash against India.
"I think getting over straight after the Qatar game gives us a few days to settle down, prepare, and hopefully help us for the game on the 15th," he said.
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