* Positive signs are there, says Satianathan
* ‘Gladiators will rebound’
Three defeats in as many matches would rattle any coach but not B. Satianathan and the Armed Forces supremo is confident that the Gladiators will rebound after a disastrous start to their Super League campaign.
“The positive signs are there and I am confident we will get back on track,” said Satianathan after watching his team play their best game so far in the league in their 1-2 defeat to Felda United at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday.
“The touches were there. Teamwork was there and the players impressed me with the type of football I want the team to play. No doubt we lost…our third defeat in a row. But we are on the right track to haul ourselves back into contention.
The match also saw the Gladiators score their first Super League goal this season through national striker Norshaharul Idlan Talaha. Satianathan believes the end of the goal drought will turn the tide in their favour.
“We created the chances but could only score one. Jerry (Palacios) hit the post twice. Once he gets a goal I expect him to get his scoring touch. The match against Felda was our best performance and I am pleased with the character of the players in this match.”
The former international, however, was quick to admit that his team needs to “tighten up things” and is not happy with the AmirizwanTaj Tajuddin and Obinna Nwaneri in the heart of the defence.
“I need to work on this combination more….they have yet to settle down in their roles. They lack understanding but it cane be overcome soon. You must remember the two are combining together for the first time,” added Satianathan.
National Amirizwan is return to competitive football after a long layoff due to injury while Nwaneri, who played for Kelantan the last three seasons, is a new signing for the Gladiators.
The Super League takes a backseat for now as Satianathan prepares the team for the second round FA Cup match against T-Team at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu this Saturday.
“I was told T-Team played very well against Kedah to earn a point with a scoreless draw (in the Premier League). I expect a very tough match against T-Team but I am looking at a positive result.”
