There’s no doubt that newly-branded Pahang FC have struggled to make a mark in the Super League (MSL) and the Superbest Power FA Cup this season.
The Elephants have lost four matches in the league so far they also suffered an embarrassing defeat at the Darul Makmur Stadium as they were eliminated from the third round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 loss to Premier League side Sime Darby.
It even forced head coach Ahmad Shahruddin to tender his resignation, with Razip Ismail being announced as their new boss on Thursday. A large chunk of their fans are blaming their decision to utilize young players, as the reason behind Pahang’s downfall.
But Kogileswaran Raj has defended Pahang’s philosophy this year, claiming that while it inevitably will take time, trusting young players is the right way to go forward.
“Honestly, I feel that we are struggling because we do not really have a target this season,” Kogi told FourthOfficial.com
“Coach Ahmad was extremely supportive. I guess luck was just not on his side during the matches, but one thing’s for sure, he definitely prepared us very well throughout the season.
“We may have a young squad, but I can assure you that we will bounce back stronger than ever, eventually. Young players should always be given a chance, we’re the future of Malaysian football,” he enthused.
Kogileswaran has been barred from playing in the MSL until June for breaching a contract he signed with Frenz United, alongside another Pahang youngster, R. Dinesh.
Ex-Pahang CEO Fahrizal Hasan then negotiated a deal to send Kogi and Dinesh to train with English Premier League side Watford FC, for two months, while waiting for the transfer window to reopen in June.
Both teenagers are set to report under ex-Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, who is currently training Watford’s U21 side – something that Kogi is extremely excited about.
“I want to learn as many things as I can before I come back to Malaysia.
“My main goal is to get used to the high intensity of English football so I will be able to break the first team for Pahang in order to play regular football in the MSL,” Kogi added.
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