Brendan: Winning is all that matters for Perak now

PETALING JAYA: Perak are focused on winning, not drawing, says midfielder Brendan Gan.

He denied that his team were just looking for a draw in their Super League clash against Pahang at the Darul Makmur Stadium on Sunday.

The Seladang played a cautious game and stole a point from the Elephant as the game ended with a goalless draw.

The Silver State, who were without first choice goalkeeper Hafizul Hakim and the suspended centerback Shahrul Saad, seemed like they opted for safe approach against Pahang, who have been unbeaten at their home this season.

The Sydney-born player said they did launch quick counter attacks against Pahang and came close to winning the game.

“We never play for a draw. Everyone thinks that just because we didn’t attack every single time, that we weren’t aggressive,” said the 30-year-old.

“We had our plans to go for counter attack when the time was right, and we did that perfectly. We frustrated them.

“I’m very proud of the team’s performance. We came here to tactically defend first and then attack when we could. We created several chances and could’ve taken the lead but settled for a draw.”

The result hands Perak their ninth draw in 13 matches as they remain in sixth place in the 12-team standing with 18 points.

Second-placed Pahang have 26 points but now trail league leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) by 10 points.

The Elephants coach Dollah Salleh said his players relied too much on Nigerian hitman Dickson Nwakaeme.

“I’ve told the players that we have 11 players on the field and everyone needs to contribute but they are still relying on Dickson to do something,” said Dollah.