KUALA LUMPUR (26 Dec 2010) – Malaysia chief coach K. Rajagobal has a simple instruction to his chargers ahead of their clash against Indonesia this evening – and that is for them to play with confidence.
Indonesia will take on Malaysia in the first leg final of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 tonight in Kuala Lumpur while the return leg will be three days later in Jakarta.
“It is important that the players forget the past matches including the loss to Indonesia in Jakarta earlier this month and also the win over Vietnam in the semi-finals last week. This is a different game in the final and they must treat it as such – play with confidence,” said Rajagobal.
As to questions why Malaysia do not resort to closed door session, Rajagobal added: “what’s the point? The opponents have already kept tabs on us for quite some time. What is there to hide with just a day to go before the match? I understand the work of the media and that is why I’ve never resorted to closed door session.”
In the meantime, Rajagobal said that the team will have almost a full squad at his disposal with the exception of midfielder Khyril Muhymeen Zambri who is still not at 100%.
“We have an almost full squad and everyone is relaxed for the game. For us, no one expects us to reach this far, so whatever happens, I’m proud of my boys,” he added.
“At this late stage of the championship, it is really up to the players to decide for themselves just how much they want to win this tournament and gain respect for themselves and also for the country.
“As a coach, I have prepared the team as well as I can for the task ahead.”
AFF SUZUKI CUP 2010, FINALS FIXTURES
First-leg – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (BUKIT JALIL NATIONAL STADIUM, KUALA LUMPUR)
26 Dec Malaysia vs Indonesia (2000hrs)
Second-leg – Jakarta, Indonesia (GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM, JAKARTA)
29 Dec Indonesia vs Malaysia (2000hrs)
