Oh dear, you Mousedeers have left coach Zainal baffled
PETALING JAYA: Melaka coach Zainal Abidin Hassan wants his players to pick up the pieces beginning with the match against Kedah today.
The former international is scratching his head over his players’ erratic performance in the Super League.
The Mousedeers lost 1-0 to PKNP and then went down 4-3 to Selangor in the league. They were also beaten 3-2 by PKNS in their FA Cup tie.
Melaka are currently seventh in the 12-team table with 11 points.
“I’m disappointed because we have not been taking our chances well. We’re also not tactically disciplined in some matches,” said Zainal.
“Playing against Kedah will be tough. They’re doing well and are third in the league.
“Although we’re playing at home (Hang Jebat Stadium) it doesn’t mean we have the advantage.
“They have great teamwork and some of their players can change a game. They also have a good coach in Aidil (Sharin).
“My boys are in for a tough match. They must prove that they can deliver when the chips are down.”
To compound Melaka’s problems, their star midfielder Liridon Krasniqi, who played for Kedah last season, is still recovering from an injury.
“Suspensions and injuries have hampered our progress. Liridon is a key part of the team and he is still out.”
Earlier this season, Melaka bolstered their squad by signing illustrious names like Shukor Adan, Safiq Rahim, Mohd Razman Roslan, Mohd Raimi Md Nor, R. Gopinathan, Mohd Nazrin Mohd Nawi, Liridon and Casagrande.
However, some of them have yet to perform to their true capabilities and this has baffled Zainal.
“Take Casagrande for example. He was last season’s Premier League top scorer with 20 goals for Felcra, and he has only scored one goal in nine matches for us,” said Zainal.
“Not only Casa but other players have to buck up. I need them to show more desire.
“For now, I’m going to concentrate on the next two matches and then decide if we’re going to make changes in the next transfer window.”