NELO CLICKS WITH PLAYERS
Safee and Co adapt to new national coach’s style
THE ‘player friendly’ approach of new national coach Nelo Vingada has made it easier for the players to understand what he wants from them for the Asia Cup qualifier against Lebanon at Larkin Stadium on June 13.
Veteran striker Safee Sali, for one, is excited with the Portuguese coach’s approach.
He said Vingada, popularly known as Nelo, is always communicating with the players to find out what they need, which in turn, has made it easier for them to adapt to his training programme.
The players must be surprised by Vingada’s amiable approach as the 64-year-old is known for his no-nonsense style of coaching. His direct and dominant assertiveness is said to be the main factor that led to him being appointed as the national team’s head coach.
Safee said he was impressed by Vingada during his meeting session with the players on the first day of training where he talked with them and listened to their opinions.
“After a few days of training, I feel that I have gotten to the coach. As an experienced coach, he seemed to have a playerfriendly approach.
“He has coached a number of big teams and his good record should help to improve Malaysian football. We all know that he is eager to lead the team.
“We, players, are willing to work hard to strengthen Harimau Malaya and we have not much time as there is less than two weeks before the match against Lebanon,” said Safee.
He said Vingada’s training programme is geared towards gradual improvement, and as it is the fasting month, the coach is not too focused on physical training but more towards building better understanding between the players.
“I think tactical training will be more intensified once the 11 players from Johor Darul Ta’zim join the team tomorrow (today), which would complete the squad of 26 players,” said Safee.
Safee, who made his international debut in 2006 against New Zealand with a goal, looks to be more consistent when playing for Harimau Malaya.