Pau Marti Vicente, head coach of Malaysia national team remains optimistic about the team’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, despite recent setbacks.
Speaking after the narrow 0-1 loss to Thailand, Pau Marti expressed pride in his players’ efforts and highlighted the importance of their next match against Singapore as a pivotal moment in the tournament.
“I am happy and proud of the players’ performance today. I believe we could have achieved a better result. Toward the end of the game, we created chances but couldn’t capitalize on them,” said Pau Marti. “This past week was challenging in terms of preparing the team, but we showed our fans—both in the stadium and at home—that we gave it our all.”
The coach acknowledged the pressure on players, particularly on the goalkeeper, but defended his squad, emphasizing the importance of unity.
“Goalkeeper mistakes are always punished because of the critical nature of the position, but I don’t blame anyone. Athletes are human, and today, everyone gave their best in a tough game. We wanted to create more chances, but ultimately, it’s about supporting each other and learning from our mistakes,” he added.
Despite the defeat, Pau Marti believes the team’s improved performance against Thailand provides a confidence boost heading into their crucial match against Singapore on December 20 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
“Every game is different. In the previous match, we didn’t perform well, but today we showed that we are not afraid to face strong teams. Although we didn’t get the result we wanted, this game gave us more confidence. If we can play like we did against Thailand, I believe we have a high chance of winning against Singapore. We just need to address our mistakes and push forward.”
The Spanish-born coach also highlighted the resilience of his squad, which played without five key players due to injuries and other commitments. He urged fans and critics alike to rally behind the team as they aim to progress to the next stage.
“I am proud of everyone’s effort. Missing five main players was a challenge, but the team stepped up. I urge everyone to respect the Malaysian national team and support us. I hope to see a packed stadium at Bukit Jalil for the next match to cheer us on to achieve our goals.”
Malaysia’s match against Singapore will be the deciding factor in determining their path to the semi-finals of the 2024 ASEAN Championship. A victory at Bukit Jalil will not only boost their chances of advancing but also reignite their campaign for regional glory.
Credit Photo : FAM
