Kelantan FA manager George Boateng revealed that he was intending to build his team around the presence of Brendan Gan before the defensive midfielder picked up a frustrating ACL injury that has ruled him out for almost 8 months.
Speculations during the off-season suggested that Johor DT were keen on him but Boateng was adamant to keep hold of Brendan and had several ideas to how he wanted to shape the team for the upcoming season.
However, the Australian-born player picked up the injury against ATM on Matchday One, forcing Boateng to shift his plans for the season; something that has actually worked out pretty decently thus far.
“We really miss Brendan as a player as he was the leader and the rock of the team,” Boateng told FourthOfficial.com
“Johor DT wanted him so badly during the transfer window but I did everything I could to keep hold of him because I planned to build the team around him. Unfortunately, that was not possible.
“When something like this happens, someone else has to step up and improvise. So far, we’ve managed to cope without him, as Fakri Saarani has stepped up and is doing so well as a defensive midfielder.
“Brendan is a very fit lad, so hopefully he will recover quickly and still play this season,” he added.
Kelantan have had a decent start to the season, winning two games, drawing one while losing one. They also secured a spot in the second round of the FA Cup after clinching a difficult win over Sarawak away from home.
The Red Warriors are currently fifth on the Super League table, and as far as George Boateng is concerned, he intends to see his men improving as the season progresses, though he is satisfied with what he’s seen thus far.
“I think we’re improving ever game as a group and that needs to continue. The foreign players have settled well with the locals so I don’t have many problems. I have been happy with the group as a whole because the team has done well.
“Our season is definitely going well. We’ve played five games and have won 3. I’m sure if you ask other managers if they would be happy with that return, they will all say yes. It’s been hard to break most teams down because they play with 11 players behind the ball. Of course, it’s been frustrating, but I teach the boys to be patient.
“Players have worked hard and have controlled every game we’ve played, including the one we lost; it’s a big improvement from last year.”
Other posts by FO Newsdesk
