That’s it?

Sathia insists he could have delivered if given more time

IT’S a kick in the teeth. Coach B. Sathianathan feels he has been given the boot too soon by Selangor after their 6-1 drubbing by Johor Darul Ta’zim in the Super League.

Coach B. Sathianathan (pic) wished he had more time after he was sacked by Selangor.

The former national team coach was shown the door following the Red Giants’ 6-1 drubbing by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in their Super League clash last week.

Sathianathan was a last-minute hiring for the Klang Valley outfit in 2019 and took the injury-ravaged team to third place in the Super League and reached the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup.

This season Selangor, again hit by injuries, struggled with consistency which saw them record two wins, four draws and two losses from eight matches. They are now seventh in the standings with 10 points with three matches to play.

Sathianathan believes he could have done better if given more time.

“If we had collected full points against Melaka and PJ City, we would be second. We only lost two matches and JDT are head and shoulders above everyone this season,” said Sathianathan.

“We lost several key players through long-term injuries and then the Covid-19 pandemic happened. We didn’t even have a proper pre-season this year.

“The season is not over yet, we still have the Malaysia Cup, so anything can happen. I believe Selangor can win the remaining three matches and end the league in second or third place.

“I wish the team and players the best of luck for the future,” added Sathianathan, who was a little upset as he was unable to fulfil his duties until the season ended.

Football Association of Selangor technical director and Selangor II coach Michael Feichtenbeiner will serve as the interim coach until a replacement is named.

Sathianathan said he will take a month-long break and work on improving his football knowledge.

He also added that he is willing to make a return to the M-League next season.

“I think I can still deliver results but the team management need to be realistic and not build castles in the air.

“Every team want to beat JDT but believe me, it’s not something which can be done overnight.

“This will take time ... it’s a two to three-year project but will the fans and management be patient enough?”