Rajagobal, Former National coach believes Harimau Malaya should play without pressure when they face Vietnam in the two-legged Asean Hyundai Cup semi-finals.
Malaysia will host Vietnam in the first leg at the KLFA Stadium on Sunday, before the second leg at Hanoi, My Dinh National Stadium on Wednesday. Rajagobal, who guided Malaysia to the 2010 title with current national coach Tan Cheng Hoe as his assistant, said the players have nothing to lose and should focus on enjoying the challenge.
He believes the semi-finals will also be an important test for Malaysia’s younger players as they will face a strong Vietnamese side. Despite Vietnam being expected to field a stong line-up, Rajagobal said football can be unpredictable and even favourites can lose.
He also urged supporters to not look for someone to blame if Malaysia fails to progress. Instead, he believes the focus should be on what the team can learn and improve.
Rajagobal also backed Cheng Hoe and his coaching staff to make the right decisions for the team. He said discipline, consistency, and hard work will be important as Malaysia looks to make the most of it’s opportunity in the last four.
However, Harimau Malaya will enter the semi-final with several injury and squad concerns. Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament after being recalled by his US Club, Sporting JAX. Endrick Dos Santos, Jimmy Raymond, Fazrul Amir Zaman and Aliff Haiqal Lau are also understood to be unavailable for the reminder of the competition.
Meanwhile, Engku Shakir Engku Yacob remains doubtful, while Mohamadou Sumareh is facing fitness concerns. Despite the setbacks, Rajagobal believes Malaysia should put the pressure aside, stay discipline and give the best.
Sources: NST
