Cheng Hoe in no hurry to discuss his future with Harimau Malaya

PETALING JAYA: For any football coach, the waiting game can be frustrating.

However, that is not the case for Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe (pic), who is in no hurry to rush the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to extend his stay with the national team.

The 50-year-old head coach, whose contract expires on Monday, said he wants to enjoy his holiday and only think about negotiations next year.

“We are going to usher the year 2019 next week. I am in no hurry to rush negotiations because I want to enjoy my holidays. I will be meeting the management next week.

“I have been away with the national team for quite a while. Right now, I want to spend quality time with my family,” said Cheng Hoe, who lives in Pulau Tikus, Penang.

For now, he is leaving it to the national team committee to decide on his future even though he met their Key Performance Index (KPI) target.

“I am actually not frustrated at all. FAM have their plans, and I will wait for it,” he said.

When asked to review his time with the national team in 2018, the former Malaysian international said the team had progressed although their world rankings have not improved much.

“I am happy to see that our football has developed. Tactically we can play the modern way of football, and in AFF Suzuki Cup, I saw the players’ drive and determination to do well for the nation,” he said.

“As a coach, I know this team can move to a better level. Next year, we will be playing the World Cup qualifiers with the Middle East and East Asian countries.

“The level will be different, and we have to be up to the task.”

Under his tutelage, the Harimau Malaya have notched eight wins, three draws and five defeats and moved up seven rungs to 167 in the FIFA rankings.

In the recent AFF Suzuki Cup, Cheng Hoe guided Malaysia to a creditable runners-up spot. From ranked outsiders, the Harimau Malaya upset the form book to set up a showdown with Vietnam, only to lose in the two-leg final.

Cheng Hoe also weighed in on his thoughts on naturalisation as he said FAM have to ensure that the players naturalised can contribute to the country.

“FAM have their plans. I do not know if this is for the long or short term, but I hope these players would strengthen the team.

“I know some players especially Lee Tuck is keen to play for Malaysia. We have to be careful when selecting players. They may be excellent in the Malaysian league, but when they go to the international stage, they may not be able to do their best.”