NELO REFUSES TO GIVE UP

National coach insists he still has backing

ZULFAIZAN MANSOR zulfaizan@bh.com.my

NELO Vingada has rejected suggestions that his position as the national coach is under threat and insisted he has the backing of the concerned parties to continue despite failing to guide his team to any victory since his appointment in May.

On Friday, Malaysian fans showed their anger by swearing at Vingada’s team as they left the I-Mobile Stadium in Buriram, Thailand, following their poor show in the 4-1 defeat to North Korea in an Asian Cup qualifier.

An irate fan said: “The 4-1 defeat is unacceptable. We have been patient. We came all the way here to see this terrible performance. We are very disappointed.”

Malaysia must now win their final two matches and hope the other games go their way to qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup Finals in the United Arab Emirates.

“My contract is for two years. I am disappointed with the result,” said Vingada. “Malaysian fans are also disappointed but the players are more upset.

“I will not be going anywhere regardless the team do well or badly... it is part of my job.

“I am not worried about my position. I will not give up,” said Vingada.

For the record, Malaysia have not won in the last nine matches, six (one draw and five defeats) of them under Vingada.

“Of course, there is pressure as the team have not won. But this is normal... there is pressure in every match.

“I need time to build a strong team,” Vingada added.