Sathia hopes to avoid same referee
coach B. Sathianathan listed three factors that contributed to Selangor’s sluggish performance on Saturday that saw them collect yet another draw in the Super League.
Selangor, who drew 1-1 with Felda in their opening match a week ago, also shared points (1-1) with Petaling Jaya City FC (PJCFC).
Sathianathan said winger Antonio German from Grenada was off colour, the Selangor players were too hasty and referee Suhaizi Shukri’s handling was unsatisfactory.
“I won’t warn him (German) but I will advise him because during the friendlies and the first match (against Felda), he played well,” said Sathianathan
The 60-year-old former national coach said it could also be due to poor pitch conditions after two hours of heavy rain before the 9pm kickoff.
“He (German) has never played on a field like this but that’s not an excuse. I will meet with him because his performance today was unsatisfactory for an import.”
Sathiananthan said he will also need to speak to his players who he deemed were too hasty to score.
“We need to take note of our passes because we were too hasty. And playing long ball isn’t functional because of the danger from counter attacks. This has to stop for the next match.
“Everyone wants to score, they want to show they can score but they are not calm in front of goal.”
Sathiananthan revealed that he is looking to Uitm psychologists to boost the Red Giants’ mental strength.
“It’s not just physical training but mental. This area is really
important and we have a collaboration with Uitm to use their psychologists.
“We are aware of the pressure (due to Selangor’s reputation) on our players.”
Sathianathan hopes the same referee (Suhaizi) will not be officiating when Selangor host PKNS FC at Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.
“The referee didn’t protect (the players) because numerous times my men were struck from behind but the yellow card came out late. He is not controlling (the match) and in the previous game (against Felda), it was the same referee. And when we asked for penalty, he refused.”