Baddrol: Wiser Eagles better prepared to take on Red Giants

GEORGE TOWN: One of the criticisms levelled at Kedah following their 2-0 Malaysia Cup final loss to Selangor last year was that they failed to handle the pressure.

But Kedah vice-captain Baddrol Bakhtiar is confident that none of the Kedah players will “freeze” when the two sides meet again in this year’s final at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.

Baddrol is one of several senior players in the squad who were part of the Kedah teams who achieved the “double treble” in 2007-08.

He is expected to play on the right wing for the final and tasked with supporting frontmen Shane Smeltz and Thiago Augusto.

“Last year, it was the first Cup final for many players in the squad. So, it was understandable that they felt the heavy expectations and pressure of winning,” said Baddrol.

“The players are wiser now as to how to handle the expectations in a Cup final. We will have one or two Cup final debutants this year, but I’m sure we will be better prepared to take on Selangor.”

Most of the cast from last year are still around for both teams. Although Kedah and Selangor have changed import players this season, Baddrol feels that it hasn’t diluted either team’s strength.

“Kedah and Selangor still play the same style of football as last year. Although both teams have some new players – and in Selangor’s case a new coach – the standards of both teams have not changed much. I believe Sunday’s match will be another fiery affair,” said Baddrol.

Kedah will go into the final knowing they hold the upper hand over the Red Giants in the just-concluded Super League.

The Red Eagles finished third, two rungs above Selangor. In their two league meetings, Kedah drew with Selangor 2-2 in Shah Alam and defeated the Red Giants 1-0 in the return tie in Alor Setar.

“But past results mean nothing in a Cup final. It will be a totally different ball game on Sunday. The team who make fewer mistakes and take their chances will succeed.

“I predict a very close match, with Kedah coming out on top this time,” said the midfielder with a smile.