Stop their hitman
Elavarasan wants Melaka to contain Selangor’s Segovia
PETALING JAYA: Melaka will be out to shackle Selangor’s Spanish hitman Rufino Segovia in their Super League clash at the Hang Jebat Stadium tonight.
Melaka coach E. Elavarasan admitted his side needed to contain the 33-year-old forward who leads the goalscorers’ chart with 18 goals from inflicting any damage.
The 53-year-old coach said both Melaka and Selangor have no pressure in the game and it will bring the best football from the teams.
Melaka are currently seventh in the 12-team standings with 25 points with two games to play, while the Red Giants are ninth with 21 points with three matches to play.
“Rufino (Segovia) is a deadly player who can punish us if he’s left unchecked. He’s leading the goalscorers’ chart comfortably and that shows his quality as a top striker,” said Elavarasan yesterday.
“Selangor are winless in their last six matches but they are a resilient side and have played tough opponents including relegation battlers Negri Sembilan and Kelantan.
“We should not look down on them and we also need to keep in mind that they are the FA Cup finalists.
“I believe this game will be an entertaining one. Both teams are relatively safe from relegation so we can expect good football with an attacking game.”
Elavarasan, who is known as the miracle worker in the M-League for his knack of whipping unfancied sides into title contenders, said his side will use their two remaining league matches as part of their preparation for the Malaysia Cup.
The Mousedeers will be without striker Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim and South Korean midfielder Lee Chang-hoon who are ruled out with injuries.
However, the form of forgotten man – winger R. Gopinathan, who had scored two goals in their last three matches, is a good sign for Melaka as they gear up for the Malaysia Cup.
“Syahrul and Chang-hoon are not available for this game due to their injuries but we have R. Surendran coming back into the team after his injury lay-off so we have enough cover in the squad,” said Elavarasan.
“Gopi seems to have rediscovered his old touches and his confidence level is up.
“I believe he will be a key figure for us in the tail end of the season.”