Sticking to the plan
Cheng Hoe wants his side to adopt the same strategy
PETALING JAYA: We will not change our game plan against Thailand.
Those were the words of national coach Tan Cheng Hoe who wants his team to continue their passing ways against Thailand in the first-leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil this Saturday.
“Training has been going really well and the players look really motivated. We have been following Thailand’s games and they are staying true to their reputation as the tournament’s favourites,” said Cheng Hoe.
“One might assume that we will be cautious against Thailand but we will not change our ways.
“We cannot be defending the whole 90 minutes.
“Passing and movement will continue but we must be disciplined when Thailand initiate a quick break or attack,” he said.
Cheng Hoe said the players were gaining confidence after every game and the first 90 minutes will determine if Malaysia have what it takes to qualify for the final of the tournament.
“It is important not to concede in the first leg.
“Our defenders have been good when it comes to initiating plays and attacks but they have to be really focused and spirited against the Thais.
“They have a complete team and their attackers will take advantage of any mistake.
“Focus is the key and the players are aware of that.”
Cheng Hoe said although Malaysia were the underdogs, they were determined to do their best in Kuala Lumpur.
“A good scoreline in Malaysia will be an advantage for us.
“The players are certainly in a good mood and they will put up a good fight on Saturday.”
When asked if he was going to play goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias, who played against Myanmar or Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, who played in the first three matches in Group A, Cheng Hoe was coy on this.
“I have to say, the goalkeeper’s department is pretty stable. Both have performed well and don’t forget, Hafizul (Muhammad Hafizul Hakim Khairul Nizam Jothy) is also itching for action. I will only decide on Saturday.”
Cheng Hoe also said that he was rotating his defensive midfielders D. Kenny Pallraj, Mohamed Syamer Kutty Abba and Muhammad Akram Mahinan in training as he is looking for the best holding midfielder pair for the match against Thailand.
Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac said his charges will not be intimidated by the crowd in Bukit Jalil but Cheng Hoe refused to be embroiled in a war of words with the Serbian coach.
“I don’t bother about his comments. My concern is the Malaysian team. I want my players to play to their strengths and minimise their mistakes.
“We will only give our best in front of the home crowd.”