Selangor crumbled at the Shah Alam Stadium last Sunday – a massive 4-0 defeat at the hands of PKNS FC in a Super League match – which became the talk of the town.
Head coach B. Satianathan became the target of the fans who called for his removal – something that is uncalled for after only three matches into the season.
One defeat certainly is not the end of the world for any team and Satianathan has openly taken full responsibility for the big defeat in Shah Alam.
At the same time, the former national coach is confident of a “turnaround” for the 33-time Malaysian Cup champions popularly known as the Red Giants.
“We have to pick ourselves up and redeem our battered pride. Selangor is a big name in Malaysian football and that defeat has sent ripples in the local football fraternity,” said Satianathan when contacted on Tuesday.
The transfer window closes tomorrow (Wednesday) and there could big changes in the Selangor squad, as far as the foreigners are concerned.
“I cannot reveal anything just yet. All will be known tomorrow. There will be changes…the foreigners,” said Satianathan, adding that the absence of Taylor Regan in the heart of the defense was felt.
The six-footer Australian signed from Adelaide United is needed to shore up the Selangor backline as he could “marshal and call the shots” when under pressure.
Last year’s Golden Boot winner Rufino Segovia “has the touch but he has yet to get into the rhythm” and looks safe to retain his place in the team. However, Vietnam’s Michal Nguyen (center-back), Brazilian midfielder Endrick dos Santos and Antonio German (Grenada) could be on the way out.
“We have to move on and look forward positively. Selangor is a big name in Malaysian football and fans want to see their team in the top bracket…not at the other end of the table.”
The Red Giants have two tough calls – starting with an away match against Pahang this Sunday followed by a home match against five-time Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim on March 1.
Satianathan wants his Red Giants to face the two toughies with a positive attitude.
“We created chances but did not score against PKNS…while PKNS made it count when it mattered. As a coach, I have to motivate my players to move on with a positive attitude,” said Satianathan. RIZAL ABDULLAH
