Bangladesh's preparations for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers have been thrown into uncertainty on the eve of the team's departure for Uzbekistan, with the federation's decision to cancel a scheduled press conference fuelling speculation that head coach Gerard Jones could be on his way out.

The British coach said he was dealing with “miscommunication or surprises” and was worried about his family and his safety.

New Bangladesh youth teams coach Gerard Jones said he wants to build U-20 players who are confident on the ball, resilient and capable of matching opponents physically and tactically.