Put on a winning show tonight, Penang players told
GEORGE TOWN: Penang players have been told to respond positively in tonight’s Super League northern derby against Kedah.
The Football Association of Penang (FAP) came down hard on the team after the dismal 2-1 loss to lowly Sarawak at the City Stadium on Tuesday.
Brazilian coach Jacksen Tiago was told to take a rest and his assistant Manzoor Azwira was promoted as the new head coach.
Several under-performing players were issued show cause letters and given verbal warnings.
The FAP took the action after a group of about 200 fans protested at the City Stadium after the Sarawak match. The supporters lashed out at the limp loss and also questioned Tiago’s coaching capabilities.
Yesterday, team manager Mohd Azizudin Shariff challenged the Penang players to put on a performance to be proud of at the Darulaman Stadium.
“Several players were issued show cause letters because of their recent poor performances.
“The players receive high salaries, but they have let down everybody,” said Azizudin.
“The warning letters were not meant to demoralise them or pick out scapegoats. We want to know why they failed to deliver.
“As professionals, the players must take the criticism positively and work on improving their performance, beginning with the Kedah match.
“Nothing but three points in Alor Setar will be acceptable for Penang tomorrow.”
Among the players who were told that their efforts were not good enough are imports Brent Griffith (Australia), Mathias Cordoba (Argentina) and Osas Ipkefua (Nigeria). All three featured against Sarawak.
The islanders’ fourth import is Brazilian defender Reinaldo Lobo, a fan favourite who missed Tuesday’s match through injury.
“We gave the import players a stern warning during Thursday’s closed-door meeting. They need to do more for the team on the pitch. All our four imports need to buck up and play a bigger role in helping Penang win matches.”
On Tuesday, the Panthers seemed headed for victory. Cordoba had given the homesters the lead after 26 minutes, but unexpectedly missed a second-half penalty. Sarawak hit back through Gilmar Filho (59th) and an injury-time goal through J. Partiban to secure maximum points.
Penang are ninth in the 12-team league with five points from one win – a 4-1 drubbing of basement side Pahang – and two draws in six matches.
Tonight, the Panthers can expect little charity from in-form Kedah, who are on a high after qualifying for the FA Cup semi-finals last week and holding Malaysia Cup champions Selangor to a 2-2 away draw in the league on Tuesday.