‘It is wrong to write off Malaysia’ Saudi Arabia coach
Caretaker national football coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s “crazy journey” begins at the Shah Alam Stadium on Tuesday when Malaysia face Saudi Arabia in a Group A (Asian Zone) World Cup qualifier.
It is a “crazy journey” for Kim Swee who has been roped in the FA of Malaysia (FAM) to take over the hot seat after Dollah Salleh called it quits following a 10-0 bashing at the hands of United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi last Thursday.
Many have given up hope of Malaysia winning against Saudi Arabia after the disaster against UAE.
However, Saudi Arabia coach Bert van Marwijk begs to differ and has this warning for his team despite the favourites tag at Shah Alam.
“Malaysia’s 10-0 defeat to UAE and the coach gone does not make things any easy for us. It does not make us favourites. Malaysia will be a dangerous opponent for us,” said the Dutchman who took Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup Finals.
With only three days to “train” the team Kim Swee knows and is quick to admit that technically and tactical Saudi Arabia are “far superior” in every department but is counting on his charges to do a far better and improved job against the Saudis.
Kim Swee reiterated his call to the home fans and supporters to support the team and boost their confidence for the Saudi Arabia match.
“The team needs your support. Give them the inspiration they need badly after the debacle against UAE,” said Kim Swee, who is also the National Under-23 head coach.
Despite having only three days of training with the team the former international saw some “positives” in the players.
“If they can show this in the match I expect a far better performance. They have to fight for pride and dignity to redeem what happened against UAE.”
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