Kim Pan-Gon, head coach of Malaysia national team is optimistic that the line-up of players who will be fielded against Turkmenistan in the International friendly ‘A’ match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, tomorrow night.
“Strategically, we want to invite a higher ranking team from Malaysia and it is important because we can learn something from them while trying to maintain the FIFA ranking but to no avail.” Pan-Gon said.
“Why Turkmenistan is selected is after we accepted the team’s offer and maybe they want to take revenge after losing 1-3 in the Asian Cup Qualifier action at Bukit Jalil National Stadium last June.”
“Perhaps they want to prove how much better they are than Malaysia and we are ready to play against them for the second time but we also want to prove that we are better too,” he said.
Pan Gon insisted that the Harimau Malaya and Turkmenistan action would promise an interesting match and even demanded that the national squad players be flexible and give high commitment.
“I want to show the opposing team that the football philosophy that Harimau Malaya has is quality and that every player who will be sent down does not need to waver, but instead perform according to the tactical instructions applied throughout the training in Johor Bahru,”
Asked about the action of the match held in Ramadan, Pan Gon explained that there are no difficulties faced by the players who are fasting because the coaching staff formulates a suitable diet for them.
“Good nutrition intake is necessary for the players and we have prepared everything to ensure that the players are not tired when playing on the field, and that the players are also positive,”
International Friendly ‘A’ Match between Malaysia vs Turkmenistan will kick-off on 23 Match 2023 at 10.00 pm. at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri. Live on Astro Arena, and TV9
Credit Photo : FAM
