Pakistan coach Shamlan: “If Kaleemullah doesn’t come, no problem then. I will play 11 players anyway.”

Pakistan coach Shamlan: “If Kaleemullah doesn’t come, no problem then. I will play 11 players anyway.”

By Shahrukh Sohail & Sohaib Hassan

Despite losing 2-0 to Palestine at home, Pakistan coach Mohammad Al-Shamlan was satisfied with his team’s performance but added that they did make some costly errors during the ninety minutes at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium.

“I think team played very well.  It was good display but we also made mistakes and Palestine were the better team,” he said in the post-match conference.”

The Bahraini trainer also added that he has tried to develop Pakistan as a team but with young players and strong opponents, things did not go extremely well on the pitch.

“After Asian games I tried to make a team but we only got three days practice for this match but it was better from the players.  Our was a junior team and Palestine had their AFC Challenge Cup winning team. Up to the 85th minute, we played well but we made mistakes in our midfield and defence. In Pakistan, we have no arrangements for U-16 and youth level, which can bring players.”

Moreover, the tactician waved away concerns raised by captain Kaleemullah over team selection and claimed that even if the FC Dordoi Bishkek star or anyone else did not link-up with the squad, he would play eleven players anyway.

“I like all my players I am good with all players I have i don’t have problem with anyone. If he (Kaleemullah) doesn’t come, no problem then. I will play 11 players,” claimed the former Bahrain assistant coach.