National coach Datuk K. Rajagopal has issued an ultimatum to his under performing players: Buck up or pack up!
Lose, and heads will roll, he promised.
The team have come under fire for below par performances which have resulted in two defeats – 1-0 to Vietnam and 2-0 to Thailand – and two draws – 1-1 with minnows Hong Kong and Bangladesh.
His ultimatum came following Tuesday’s draw with Bangladesh.
“We didn’t get the desired result against Bangladesh and I’ll take stern action if we don’t get a positive result against Singapore,” warned Rajagopal.
“I’m concerned with the team’s display … but we have four days to rectify it. Another below-par performance will force me to make drastic changes to the team.”
Key players Mohd Safee Sali, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, S. Kunalan and skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim, who were in the team that won the Suzuki Cup in 2010, were also unconvincing against Bangladesh and were replaced in the second-half.
Their replacements – Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak, Mohd Shakir Shaari and Badrol Bakhtiar – were no better.
To add insult to the injury, Zaquan picked up a knee injury after playing for only 13 minutes and had to be replaced by Ahmad Fakri Saarani.
Rajagopal is set to recall winger Mohd Azamuddin Akil to the team due to Zaquan’s injury.
The 53-year-old coach said he will focus on motivating the players and boosting team morale in the days leading to the opening match of the Suzuki Cup.
“We all need to be positive at this crucial part of our preparation and we have to keep the momentum going,” he said.
Malaysia, the defending champions, are co-hosting the tournament with Thailand from Nov 24-Dec 22.
Malaysia open their Group B campaign against Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday. They play Laos on Nov 28 before taking on Indonesia, whom they beat in the 2010 final, on Dec 1.
Group A comprises Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Myanmar.
Reports by ERIC SAMUEL, K. RAJAN and P. EU JIN
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