AFF Suzuki Cup: Raja rules out 'parking the bus'

Indonesia team manager Andi Darussalam (left) and national coach K. Rajagobal attend the pre-match press conference in Jakarta yesterday. — Picture by Khairul Ghazali 

 

K. RAJAGOBAL does not want his players to curb their attacking instincts when defending a 3-0 lead during the AFF Suzuki Cup final second leg at the Bung Karno Stadium today.

Responding to suggestions that Malaysia will employ a defensive strategy, Rajagobal said each match has to be approached differently.

"We are here with a three-goal lead and we know Indonesia are a strong and good team. We are thinking optimistically and aim to play to the best of our ability.

"The confidence level of the players has gone up with each game we play and we are focused only on this game," said Rajagobal at the pre-match press conference at the team hotel yesterday.
Indonesia will be looking for an early goal to boost their chances of overturning the deficit and Rajagobal said his side need to maintain their defensive discipline when under pressure.

"We will play as how we should and I want the players to follow my instructions," said Rajagobal. "Of course, Indonesia will attack for the early goal but we also have good strikers to trouble them.

"If we get one goal, it will put the pressure back on Indonesia. We don't just want to defend, we want to score as well.

"We have not come here for a draw, we want to be more organised than how we played at home when we had the luxury to attack at will.

"When we lose the ball, we need to get organised. It may look defensive but we can be dangerous on the break."


Read more: NST