Durakovic calls for improved focus after five-goal thriller

PETALING JAYA: Perak coach Mehmet Durakovic is a hard man to please.

The Seladang played their best game this season to edge Terengganu 3-2 in their Super League clash to go second behind defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in the 12-team Super League standings with 19 points but Durakovic was not singing their praises.

Perak’s goals were scored by Wander Luiz (fifth minute), Gilmar Filho (13th and 38th, penalty) while Terengganu’s J. Partiban (12th) and Andrew Tuck (79th, penalty) got their names on the scorers list at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh on Sunday.

Durakovic admitted that his team almost played a perfect game to stay five points behind JDT but their lapses of concentration almost cost them the full points.

“We were doing everything well, our short and long passes were good, the players attacked and defended well. This was the best performance from the players this season and I believe we gave our fans an exciting game,” said the Australian coach.

“But I felt the players were losing focus and switching off during the match and this is something that we need to improve on.

“We have to play with the same amount of focus until the final whistle.”

“We conceded two goals during the game and our opponent could have completed their comeback and we would have dropped the points.”

The former Australian international said he was not going to bolster the squad by hiring new players during the M-League transfer window which was opened yesterday until June 3.

“I’m happy with my squad, we have a small pool of players but we are like family here. I know my players’ abilities and I’m sure they can improve as we play more together,” said the former Selangor coach.

“I trust my players and I know that they are working hard so I don’t think the management need to replace any players in the transfer window.”