Melaka United head coach E. Elavarasan leaves for Indonesia on Tuesday to complete his second part of the AFC Pro License course which will be conducted during the Asian Games in Bandung and Bogor.
He is certain to miss the Melaka United’s back to back matches against winless Police in Group C in the Malaysia Cup competition – both of which will be played at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka as it is also the home venue for Police. Melaka United is at home to Police on 17 Aug and away on Aug.26.
He would have wanted nine points from three matches – starting with the 3-3 draw against PKNS FC on Sunday – a match Elvarasan would like to forget as his team surrendered a healthy 3-0 lead to crumble in the last five minutes.
Putting that aside Elavarasan believes that Melaka United is capable of taking six points off Police to keep the chase for a top-two finish in the group to advance to the knockout stage.
“The players are not at all distracted by the delay in their salaries. Their commitment to the team overrides off the pitch problems as they are aware of the reasons for the delay.
“They are also aware it is not a perennial problem. The change in the state leadership is one of the reasons and the players know that all will be sorted out soon,” said Elavarasan.
The stalemate against PKNS is a “precious point” earned – just like the one earned against Felda in Jangka. Elevarasan terms the stalemates as “an achievement” and “morale-boosting” to the players in their Malaysia Cup quest.
“A lapse in concentration in the last minutes of play proved costly. The players have learned from their folly. They are much wiser in terms of experience…a better lesson from an experienced team like PKNS.
“The team has displayed commitment and I am proud of my players. The next two matches against Police are crucial but I have faith in the team,” added Elavarasan. RIZAL ABDULLAH
