Former Malaysian international player Datuk Jamal Nasir believes that the hunt for a new national team head coach needs to focus on individuals’ ability to generate short-term success with limited resources.
After the nation’s frustrating 10-0 defeat to UAE last month, most fans have called for a complete overhaul of the nation’s footballing system, but Datuk Jamal believes that it’s equally important to prioritize short-term success, especially with the AFF Suzuki Cup and SEA Games edging closer.
“We can’t afford to sit down and wait too long for the national team to do well and win tournaments,” he told Harian Metro.
“In one or two years, we need to start winning competitions. For example, the AFF Suzuki Cup will be held next year and the SEA Games is taking place in 2017. These tournaments should serve as an important benchmark as to what the new head coach is capable of.
The race for the Malaysian hotseat is certainly tight, but Datuk Jamal believes that ex-Man United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen deserves the position, based on his sheer experience at the biggest level of football.
“Even though he’s unaware of the football mechanism in Malaysia, Rene’s experience of having coached some of the biggest names in Manchester United, will help put Malaysia back on track,” he added.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
We agree with Datuk Jamal on the first bit – short-term success is important, while we prepare and train the next generation of players. But Rene? As much as he’s a fantastic candidate, he hasn’t done too well outside Manchester United. But even if he has, Rene barely has experience on the international level. We need someone who knows how international football works and what it takes to elevate the quality of Malaysia’s national team within a short period of time. Yes, Rene could turn out to be a masterstroke, if he does turn on the style. But at this point, should FAM take a risk? Or should they go with the safer approach?
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