Philippines-based striker Mark Hartmann has confessed that playing in Malaysia has been much more challenging compared to playing in Singapore and his home country, Philippines.
The 25-year old signed for Sarawak FA just last month in December. Prior to that, he was playing for Global FC (Philippines) for three years between 2013 and 2016, and then went on to Geylang International (Singapore) in 2016.
Hartmann made headlines back in Singapore as he was the first ever Filipino to sign for Geylang International. He continued to secure the spotlight as he scored eight goals in 11 matches.
“The Malaysian players here are a lot quicker than in Singapore. Technically, there is little difference.” Hartmann told FourFourTwo. “This league is definitely a better standard.” he added.
He signed up with a struggling Sarawak that was battling relegation last season; they finished in 8th place with 24 points.
However, Hartmann is positive that things will be different this season. The Southampton-born striker has a lot of confidence in Sarawak FA’s coach, David Usop. Coach David’s 4-4-2 formation gels well with Hartmann’s style of play.
“We want to keep the ball as much as possible and move it around quickly and create lots of chances. All in all, it suits me down to the ground.” Hartmann said.
Hartmann also added that his target is to score at least 15 goals this season. Considering he has scored 49 goals in 51 appearances during his Global FC days, it seems a very plausible target.
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