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FOCUS: Rajagobal assures back-to-back ties will have no effect on squad

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Manchester City FC chief brand and commercial officer Ian Cafferky (second from left) presents a Manchester City jersey to Datuk K. Rajagobal (second from right) at their meeting at the Palace of Golden Horses yesterday. Looking on are Manchester City sales marketing manager Omar Berrada (left) and FAM vice-president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal. Pic by Yazit Razali

NATIONAL coach Datuk K. Rajagobal brushed off fears that the back-to-back matches against Arsenal and Manchester City, slated for July, would affect his team's focus and preparation for the AFF Cup.
His team's failure to overcome Singapore in the World Cup qualifiers last July was largely due to their involvement in exhibition matches against Arsenal and Liverpool, which were played in the same month.
"Those matches might have had affected my players. We, however, have enough time to prepare for the AFF Cup, as it only starts in late November," said Rajagobal on the sidelines of the announcement of English Premier League club Manchester City's Asia tour in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

"I want my team to use this opportunity to learn from City, who I'm sure will be eager to impress in their first ever visit to Kuala Lumpur.

"It is not always that we get a chance to play against a top club. I've tested more than 60 players since January but only the best will be called up for the City match."

Rajagobal, however, will not consider imported players from the M-League for matches against Arsenal (July 24) and City (July 30).

"I will only use locals as I want to gauge them in high quality matches. Furthermore, July is a crucial month as I will be trimming my training squad for the AFF Cup," the coach added. Rajagobal, however, became agitated when asked about his team's poor international form of late.

"Have we lost this year? No. Which means we are on the right footing.
"I hope fans will be patient. I have been testing new players for options as I want only the best for the AFF Cup," he said.

The national team have not won an international match since last June's 2-1 win over Taiwan in the first round of the World Cup Qualifiers.

Fans are close to losing their patience and Rajagobal's side need a favourable result against Sri Lanka on Saturday to regain their confidence.

Malaysia have been finding it tough to get international matches despite being the regional champions. They drew 1-1 with the Philippines in their only international match this season on Feb 29.
"We need to beat Sri Lanka to build our momentum for the AFF Cup. I do not want any more excuses from the players," said Rajagobal.

"I've got a decent squad for this match which includes seven or eight uncapped players and some with limited international experience while the others are regulars."




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