Don’t let Lions roar
Irfan wants Selangor to be aggressive against Singapore
PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Irfan Bakti has demanded aggression from his side when they face Singapore Lions XII in their Super League match at the Jalan Besar Stadium tonight.
The Red Giants will attempt to be the third side to grab full points from the Lions, who have only gone down twice in their own den – to league leaders Kelantan and second placed Terengganu.
Irfan reckons his side need to man up against the high flying Lions, who are third in the standings with 20 points after 10 matches.
“The Lions are a very disciplined side and are riding high,” said Irfan yesterday.
“We need to hike up our aggression on the pitch. We have been too soft but I’m confident my players will step up the challenge.
“I’m aware that most Malaysian teams have had problem adapting to Singapore’s astro-turf pitch. We trained on the astro--turf at Bukit Jalil and have an idea what to expect.”
The much-anticipated clash between Selangor and the Lions XII, after an 18-8-year hiatus, in the Super League ended in a drab 1-1 in the first leg at Bukit Jalil on Feb 8. Singapore skipper Shahril Ishak opened the scoring while K. Gurusamy equalised for the Red Giants.
However, the second meeting between the old rivals promises to produce a winner as both sides are determined to get full points.nts.
Selangor will also be eyeing redemption after being knocked out in the second round of the FA Cup by Johor FC .
They are currently sixth in the league with 15 points from 10 matches.
The Lions, who edged Sarawak 1-0 in a hard fought match last week, will be trying to cement their position as one of the contenders for the title with their fourth consecutive home win.
Irfan said their 3-0 win over Kuala Lumpur last week had boosted team morale after their humiliating exit from the FA Cup.
"The confidence is back and I think it gives us a slight advantage," said Irfan
“I have spoken to my Sarawak counterpart Robert Alberts about their game against the Lions and managed to get some pointers for the match.
“Our striker (Bosko) Balaban is slowly getting back his form and has been excellent for us lately. I’m confident of getting a positive result this time around.”