MANILA, Philippines - With the crucial Azkals match against Uzbekistan squad less than a month away, Fil-Iranian midfielder Misagh Bahadoran has stressed the need to raise his game a notch higher to help keep their win run and foil the higher-ranked Uzbeks.
“The expectation (on me) is high. The pressure is there. It’s harder being in that position now,” Bahadoran said in an interview after a morning training session at the Emperador Stadium in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Bahadoran has turned in a pair of solid showing against Bahrain, where he nailed the team’s first goal, and versus Yemen in the ongoing 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
The two wins gave the Philippines six points, second after North Korea in Group H. North Korea is leading the group having scored one more goal (5-4) than the Philippines in two matches.
Bahadoran’s goal against Bahrain last June 11 was doubly significant for him since it was his first international goal.
But it will be a far different challenge against the Uzbeks.
“I have to be prepared, physically and mentally. I have to be disciplined,” he said.
The Pampanga-born Bahadoran, also a vital cog in the United Football League team Global FC, trains daily, staying in shape and sharpening his striking and dribbling skills. He also shuns unnecessary distractions.
“I don’t go out with friends. I don’t have a nightlife. I just want to focus on my football,” said Bahadoran.
Bahadoran also does not go out with friends nor does he watch the movies as he prefers to stay at home.
If positive attitude before games is the barometer for the quality performance of a player, Bahadoran will surely score 100 percent.
“I don’t want to talk about negativity, especially if there is a game. It’s important to be prepared mentally,” Bahadoran said.
That’s why it’s very important for him who his roommate will be before any game. “My roommate is important to me because he is the one I will be talking to before the game.”
“You need motivation, not someone who will talk about problems or negative things. You need to talk how to win, how to fight, this prepares me mentally and makes me strong,” he said.
He said anybody can become a football player but what sets the outstanding players apart is their hard work, discipline and the time put into practice.
“If you have a dream, dream big and follow your dream, work hard, and don’t give up,” he said.
“Some have talents, some work harder, anybody can be a football player but it’s how hard you work towards achieving it that will set you apart. Work harder, be disciplined, train everyday, make sacrifice, and listen to your coach,” Bahadoran said.