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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano struck an optimistic tone on the eve of his side’s Asian Cup qualifier against Myanmar, saying a renewed focus on domestic talent and long-term planning could lay the foundation for a more competitive national team.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Islamabad on Monday, Solano said Pakistan were “ready and looking forward to a good result” despite acknowledging the challenge posed by Myanmar, who recently impressed in regional competition.
The game between Pakistan and Myanmar will kick-off at the Jinnah Stadium Islamabad at 2pm tomorrow (Tuesday)
“It is always really exciting when fixtures like this arrive,” Solano said. “As usual, it will be a very difficult match. But we are prepared, and we continue our preparation. We have a plan for this year.”
That plan, Solano explained, centres on giving opportunities to locally based players as Pakistan attempt to rebuild following years of disruption to its football structure. The coach highlighted the presence of several domestic players in the current squad, describing them as motivated and eager to prove themselves on the international stage.
“These boys have a dream,” he said. “Despite all the difficulties around football in Pakistan, they try to do their best. They are proud to play for their country.”
Solano confirmed that forward Rahman had been training well but suffered a hamstring injury, underlining the physical demands of international football compared to domestic competition.
“The intensity here is not the same as at your academy or club,” he said. “At this level, you have to be really fit.”
The coach also addressed the absence of other players, including Shayek Dost, citing injury concerns and the need to rotate the squad. He stressed that the current phase is about experimentation, with Pakistan not facing major competitive fixtures until later in the qualification cycle.
“This year is about giving chances to different players, seeing how they respond at national team level,” he said.
Solano defended his decision to prioritise local players over those from the overseas diaspora, saying both groups remain part of his broader vision.
“I know the diaspora players very well,” he said. “But these local boys also need to understand how important it is to prepare themselves for this level.”
Pakistan have historically relied on overseas-based players, but Solano suggested expanding the talent pool remains a long-term objective as the team seeks to close the gap with regional rivals.
A recurring theme in Solano’s remarks was the need to rebuild Pakistan’s football identity after a prolonged period of instability, including years of limited engagement with global football structures.
“There is a big gap here,” he said. “This generation missed out for a long time.”
Rather than focusing solely on tactics, Solano emphasised mentality as the cornerstone of progress.
“Every team that comes here thinks they are coming for three points. No,” he said. “We have to build a strong mentality, to be a team that is hard to beat.”
He added that, unlike club football, limited time together in international camps makes cohesion more challenging, increasing the importance of creating a unified team culture.
“The most important thing is to build a very good family unit,” he said.
Tuesday’s match at Jinnah Stadium will be played without spectators, a decision Solano described as disappointing but necessary.
“It is a shame because the atmosphere with fans is always fantastic,” he said. “But we have to respect the decision. The most important thing is safety.”
Pakistan will hope to channel that disappointment into performance as they begin what Solano describes as a step-by-step journey toward future continental and global ambitions.
“A dream to be in the next important competition, the Asian Cup,” he said. “Why not the World Cup? Step by step.”
Pakistan have so far lost both of their matches against Syria 2-0 and 5-0, have conceded both their games against all their group matches in the Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Green-shirts were undone by Syria 2-0, have conceded their previous away show against Myanmar1-0. However, they have held Afghanistan to a draw in both their away and home leg.
Pakistan trail at the rock bottom in Group E with just two points to their credit from five games.
