Sathianathan ready to take a Giant step with Selangor

PETALING JAYA: The bar has been set for newly appointed Selangor head coach B. Sathianathan.

The former Felda United coach has been tasked by the management to lead the Red Giants to a top- two finish in the Malaysia Super League next season.

Calling Football Association of Selangor (FAS) president Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ambitious and visionary, Sathianathan said he was attracted by the team’s long-term project to bring Selangor back to their glory days.

“The Crown Prince of Selangor is serious about improving this team. He wants to rekindle the glory days of the Red Giants. The new leadership is taking the right steps to improve football in this state,” said Sathianathan.

“It’s an honour to guide this team for the 2019 season and I would like to thank the leadership for believing in my abilities. I want to help the team achieve a top-two spot in the league and also win a Cup,” he said.

Selangor fans have been thirsting for success in the Super League for many years as they last won it in 2010. The last time Selangor won a trophy was in 2015 when Mehmet Durakovic led Selangor to their 33rd Malaysia Cup.

Sathianathan said the pulse of the team was the fans and promised that he and his coaching staff would give their fullest commitment to the team in order to become top contenders again.

“During my time as a footballer, players usually want to play against Selangor because they were the glamour team in Malaysian football,” said the 60-year-old Sathianathan.

“Selangor’s history is great as they were formed 82 years ago and were a dominant force in Asian football in the past.

“The fans’ passion for the team has spurred them to many successes. It’s time to bring back the old Selangor.”

As for new signings, Sathianathan said he would bring new faces but added that 80% of the squad has been filled by the management.

“Selangor have a few youngsters who impressed last season. They look mature and we just need to add some quality names to improve the team.

“Mohd Amri Yahyah will be there to guide the youngsters with his experience.

“We’ve added Kedah players Mohd Syazwan Zainon and Abdul Halim Saari who, to me, are players who will help in our quest to achieve the top-two. I’m also looking for a strong centreback.”

Sathianathan also confirmed that the team management was currently negotiating with Spanish striker Rufino Segovia and Indonesian midfielder Evan Dimas.

“We’re close to signing Rufino, who was sensational for Selangor last season. They’re also talking with Evan.

“Two more foreign players have been identified but their identities will not be revealed because they’re still playing for their current clubs.”