Lesson learn from Terengganu crisis

The most under achieved team for this season, a side full with talent, young and great support from the terraces, but somehow they found themself finished the season with empty handed.

I really admire the squad they have, full with international exposed players. From Sharbinee, Marzuki, Muslim, Faizal, Zubir, Mazlizam, Joseph Kalang, Ashaari Shamsudin, Ismail Farouqi, Manaf Mamat, Hadi Yahya and so on.

The downfall started when coach Haji Irfan Bakti left the team for Selangor. Then Mat Zan Mat Aris was the successor, did reasonably well until the team eliminated from AFC cup by neighbour Kelantan. The fans consistently presure the Terengganu FA to sack him, and the FA finaly did that. Mat Zan was 'rested' from his duty.

Then came in the familiar figure of James Butler. He was known for his unsuccesful spell with champions Kelantan. But the point is not about the coaches appointment, but how i see the route cause for the whole issue.

When Muslim Ahmad and Ismail Faruqi were suspended by Butler for what he claimed as indiscplinary conduct, the whole nation strucked with suprise. Both side went to the media, exchange words and blamed each others. Then the matter get worsen when Sharbinee shockingly conceed a school boy error to gave Kedah an equaliser in a Malaysia  Cup match in Kuala Terengganu.

Butler could not accept the manner of how Sharbinee gave away the own goal, branded the goalkeeper as a disgrace. For me, the more i saw the replay, the more i suspect that it was a deliberate, own goal. For what reason? i believe only Allah and Sharbinee knows.

The whole saga also closely monitored by the state head of executive, A Menteri Besar. Dato Ahmad Said publicly dissapointed with the situation, warned the players and backed Butler. For me, a comment from a top Government figure on any footballing matters is totally un acceptable. And he is not even the Terengganu FA president.

I only see an element of unprofesional going on in Terengganu FA crisis. I suspect there is 'player power'culture in the Terengganu camp, state Government direct interference in the team's day to day affair and suspiciuos match fixing behaviour. And i am worry with these negative development.  These are the same old story we had 20 years ago, it seems that we are stuck in the same spot and not moving anywhere. Looked like there is no real profesionalism in our football. I hope i was wrong. The other states or clubs must learn from this crisis.

2 years on, the V league produced better footballers than ours

Playing against any Vietnamese side is a always a difficult task to tell the truth. As far as i remember since the 2001 SEA games in Kuala Lumpur, eventhough we managed to beat them in that 2-0 victory, i noticed that Vietnam progressed tremendously as the years gone by.

Plus with some encouraging campaign in the AFF cup, Vietnam's football deem to be looked full with potential, dynamic and moving forward in the right direction. This is what we can called as progressed.

As for tonight's game in Shah Alam, a bitter, severe dissapointment dominating my emosion. Right from the kick off, the visiting team were looked more composed, mentally prepared and always threatening on every movement they've created.

My Tactical analysist:

MALAYSIA:

Datuk K rajagobal (DKRG) used this game as for his final phase of experiment, like giving a full international debut for ATM's Cristie Jayaseelan and the return of his old time favorite forward Zaquan Adha. Mahali Jasuli was given a holding role when replacing the struggling Gary Steven Robbart.

Malaysia start off with the flat 4-4-2 formation. On individual basis, below par performance by Wan Zack Haikal, Zaquan, Norshahrul, Gary Steven, inexperience Cristie and out of sort Safiq Rahim make things worst for the home team.

There were so many misplaced passes, static bodies in our own half, very predictable when the attack reached the final third and we were forced to play long ball due to the great effect of high pressing games by the vietnamese.

Malaysia looked clueless, disjointed and often gave the ball away cheaply. Was it due to our players inability to perform? or was it due to other factor? I discovered some suprised facts on why we unable to perform tonight. It was due to the opponent's factor.

VIETNAM:

Started with 4-2-3-1 and often diverted to 4-5-1 when lost the possesion, the visiting side opted to play with short and effective passes. There were always a small triangle formed when they have the ball with each players in 7 meters distance between them. This make it easier for the passer to find support and other options when needed.

Vietnam started their defence from the forward line. Whenever Aidil or Faizal have the ball and opted to play the ball short for Safiq or Gary, we can see one of the forward will close down the passer, while the other 2 marked down the full backs. This high line pressing successfully forced the passer to pumped it long upfield. This was where we usualy lost the ball. Forced error due to high pressing by Vietnam.

Another factor of their success tonight, was due to the understanding of one touch and move football. Its about pass and be at the right place. Every Vietnam move involved with at least minimum of 3 players. And all of them were similarly identical in term of technical ability. When the fullbacks operating on the flanks, the defensive midfielder always behind him to give any support and options. In between of forward line and midfield, there were so many movement from the running midfielders and usualy they received the splitting pass that confused the Malaysian rearguard.

SUMMARY:

Vietnam truly deserved this convincing 0-2 victory, and i thought the best team won tonight. What i realy impressed with, was the fact that they were technically superior than our players. Vietnam successfully adopting total football and they play to their strength. Vietnam is on the right track, if not the same path as the Koreans when they build their football 30 years ago. This victory proved that their V league produced better technical players than our Super league.

EID, Malaysia cup and our thought for Safee Sali

Muslims in Malaysia and their worldwide brothers celebrated the 'victory day' on last sunday. Also known as the Eid in the west, the celebration was dedicated for their hard resistance towards the evil and lust, which is believed to be human's natural enemy.

The celebration was excessive sometimes, added to the fact that August is the month of independence. So the mood is more on food, school break, domestic travelling and enjoying the festival season.

Does the Eid affecting the football season? the answer is no. Series of friendlies were played during Ramadhan for most of the teams. They had to prepare for the biggest cup in the country, the Malaysia Cup.

Come wednesday, the first group stage match were played nationwide. I am proud to say that the public respond was fantastic. The east coast derby was electric, Sarawak shocked giants Selangor, both Johor side earned a point and premier league winner the Armed forces started briliantly with an impresive 2-0 victory over Kedah.

For this year's Malaysia cup, my personal expectation is that, i want to see players becoming more technical, individually. I expect more players to show what they are capable of with the ball, how they use it in tight angle, comfortable with good first touch, able to hold the ball in a difficult pressing situation and not giving away the ball easily.

This year's Malaysia cup is so important for any players, especialy Malaysian footballers. The AFF cup will be held later in November, and i am sure they are doing their best to impress datuk K Rajagobal. The national team need to deliver the positive result which is to retain the cup, as we are the host nation.

We need to pick the best possible players for the tourney, and surely the coach will select the fittest and on form players for the said assignment. For this, my concern would be on the AFF cup 2010 golden boot winner Safee Sali. The 2011/2012 Indonesia Super league has ended, and safee not playing competitive football for months now.

I thought that Safee could get more competitive matches if he can find a club in other country for on loan basis. Thai premier league, V league or even Harimau Muda in S league could be an option. If he can't get regular football for the next 3 months, i am sorry to say that he is not deserve to be in the starting eleven for our national team. He need to be in match fit condition. I urge Datuk to look into this, please pick a player with merit, not by reputation.

Veterans that are still good enough to play for Malaysia

As we all know Datuk K Rajagobal (DKRG) national team set up is build around younger generations of footballer. Players that used to play under him since the under 17 & 19 team, or players that emerged from local league with less experience, or players coming through the Harimau muda's rank and maybe talented young players from the lesser side in the lesser league.

However, as a local football supporter, i noticed that some experienced footballer out there still have a lot to offer, especially for our beloved Harimau Malaya. Being left out, or ignored by DKRG for few years since his success in Laos SEA games, i believe the veterans have the quality needed in the squad and bring more stability in the dressing room. Experienced players who can make the difference in any tight and close games, experienced players who can offer composure on the pitch when the football match intensity is getting higher and more stressfull and perhaps an older players who can be looked upon by the younger one for advices.

My personal wish is that DKRG will call up few veterans and to include them in the upcoming AFF cup squad this year. I have come out with top experienced footballers in the country and lets see the following list of my suggestion.

5. Norfarhan Muhamad, 28 years old (Kelantan) - The Terengganu born forward is core of the successfull Kelantan side this year after helping the red warriors winning the FA cup and Super League tittle. Very quick feet, able to beat defenders in one to one situation, can play in both flanks and a very good goal instinct as well. Long ignored by the national team, as far as i remember, his last appearance with the harimau was in the Asian games in Doha. (if not mistaken). His presence in the squad could give DKRG more options in attack.

4. Akmal Rizal, 31 years old (Perak) - One of the few Malaysian who has tasted european football in their career, Akmal Rizal can be best regarded as great profesionals with great inteligence in his game. Known for his goal poaching instinct, the Kedah born striker, when fully fit, is the player any coach could rely on to get a goal on regular basis. Physically better this season, he played regularly for the Perak side that finished fourth in the league. I could say that Akmal can fit into DKRG style of play if his service required by the national team boss.

3. Indra Putra Mahyuddin, 31 years old (Kelantan) - Adored by fans for any team that he played for, Indra is regarded as one of the most consistent and successfull player in his generation. Still looked fit, always burning with hungry for success, Indra still can pose great danger to any team with his penetrative run and long distance effort. Technically good as a free kick taker, as shown in this year's AFC cup clash against vietnam's Navibank, DKRG should consider him a return to the national team. Indra is good enough to fight for that right wing spot.

2. Shukor Adan, 33 years old (Negeri Sembilan) - Played as midfielder during early days of his career but nowadays can be shifted into a centreback, the fiery general can be considered as Malaysia's 'Roy Keane'. Great leadership quality, full of energy, great physical stature/attributes, very good in organizing the team and of course he is very vocal on the pitch. Recently picked by Ong Kim Swee to play for Malaysia selection against Indonesia U-22 in a friendly, Shukor again showed his class at international level with fantastic performance. His flexibility to play as a defensive midfielder or a centre back could give DKRG a food for thought. When your side is leading 1-0 and the game have 10 minutes to play for, you might want to strengthen your defence especialy the opponent raise their game searching for an equaliser. An old head could provide extra calm in the final phase of the game. I suggest Shukor Adan as a back up for Aidil-Subra partnership.

1. Badri Radzi, 30 years old (Kelantan) - He is the catalyst of the current Malaysian Champions. DKRG seems reluctant to call him up, or even to try him in a friendly. Captain in nature, well known for his 'defence splitting pass', Badri or PIYA is a very talented footballer. I am not so sure whether he has got his first senior cap for Malaysia or not, but having Badri in the squad could add quality, in term of healthy rivalry with another playmaker, Safiq Rahim. I thought that Badri and Safiq cannot play together in the same team, if we remain with 4-4-2. We need balance in the midle of the pitch, so DKRG could only start with one attacking midfielder. The least i could suggest is that, Badri can be an ideal replacement should Safiq out with injury or get suspended.

We need to sent our best squad for this coming AFF cup, which is we will be the host nation. Anything less than retaining the cup would be a failure. Eventhough we have a lot of good young players coming through the ranks, but we also need balance in the squad. These talented veterans could give the much needed solutions for the national team.

Can we do something to improve physically?

Malaysians in general have a very strong will, high level of enthusiasm to obtain success in life. When it comes to sports, we always producing talents that are good enough to compete at least at south east asia's level. But the pain truth is, we always struggle when facing a bigger opponents, bigger in term of physical stature/attributes.

In football, the number one and long favourite sports in this country, we have always witness the poor condition of the player's stature. This always highlighted especialy during international games, when Malaysia playing middle eastern sides or Australia. Lack of real heights, especially important position such as goalkeepers, central defenders or at least one of the midfielders.

In the eighties and early nineties, we used to have Goalkeepers with reasonably good height such as Khairul Azman Mohamad (Pahang & Malaysia), Azmi Mahmud (Kedah & Malaysia) & Rashid Hassan (Kuala Lumpur & Malaysia) and some others.

In defence, we can count on K Gunalan (Selangor & Malaysia), Chow Siew Yai (Kuala Lumpur), Ghani Malek (Kuala Lumpur & Malaysia), Azmil Azali (Johor & Malaysia) and others were known for their big physical presence at the back.

Looking at the current national team, or at least if we are going to give a raw accessment on the Super League's pool of players, it is very hard for anybody to single out to any player with a good physical + technical talent package. NO disrespect to the current crop of talent, but for me, the height and size of the football players are very important.

Khairul fahmi che mat, Aidil Zafuan, Safiq rahim, Khyril Muhymeen and a lot more without doubt they are a very good players. But i wish, they could grow taller to become at least a six footer players. Most of the current national team players graduated from Bukit Jalil sports school, and i wish SSBJ could do something with their diet/nutritions program.

Can SSBJ or SSTMI sit together with the ISN to formulate a special program for physical development? As far as i know, a boy in his 13 or 14 years old is in the right phase for physical growth. Can these institutions joint their effort to produce an improve Malaysian footballer with an improve physical stature?

I can suggest 2 ways for us to build a very tall and muscular footballer.

One, Improve diet & nutritions program. Feed the young players with the right set of food. Meals that rich with calcium, magnesium and balance of protein with carbohidrate. Control the consumption of rice (Whether plain rice, fried rice or nasi lemak). The school must emphasize on feeding the likes of yogurt, Cheese, Boiled chicken. The muscles need water and protein to grow.

Two, Improve the physical work out program. Maybe it won't help in term of grow taller, but a player could improve in term of muscular and look competitively more solid.

The only player with good balance of physical attributes and footballing technics is Izzaq Faris Ramlan (Harimau muda). His height and movement with the ball is top class and wish more Malaysian players with such stature could rise and shine for the national team.