United we stand
Evan urges Selangor to overcome adversity as a team
PETALING JAYA: It’s time to huddle up, boys.
Indonesian midfielder Evan Dimas has urged his Selangor teammates to stand united during their difficult period as it is only a matter of time before the team recover from an early-season slump.
The Red Giants are out to stop the rot when they clash against Terengganu in the third round of the FA Cup today after three straight Super League losses including a 3-0 defeat to Perak last Sunday.
The uninspiring results, which came after Selangor’s convincing win against Kuala Lumpur (2-0) and Melaka (4-1) might even cost head coach P. Maniam his job.
On Wednesday, the Selangor Football Association “rested” Maniam and appointed his deputy Muhd Nazliazmi Mohd Nasir as the interim coach.
The 23-year-old Evan, who signed for Selangor in January from Indonesian champions Bhayangkara FC, is hopeful that the squad can turn things around.
“To come out of this, we need to stand together.
“Each one of us has to play our part,” said Evan, nicknamed “Anak Ajaib” (wonderkid).
“We can’t afford to keep this losing streak going.
“We have to get out of this slump quickly.
“We have a good team set-up with quality players, so I don’t see why we can’t bounce back. It’s just a matter of time and maybe, a little bit of luck,” he said.
Evan, who started in all the six matches so far, has vowed to do more for the team, after admitting he has yet to perform anywhere near his best.
Evan was a key member of Bhayangkara FC when they clinched their first top-flight title in Indonesia. He also helped Indonesia to a bronze at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
“I’ve settled in well since I joined in January, but I must admit I haven’t performed like I used to in Indonesia,” he said.
Muhd Nazliazmi certainly has a tough task in hand as caretaker coach with Selangor’s last visit to the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium last month ending with the Red Giants’ 4-1 thrashing.
Selangor are five-time winners of the FA Cup.