When Malaysia’s new head coach Nelo Vingada was officially introduced by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) last week, there seemed to be one recurring concern on everyone’s mind: time.
Is there enough time for him to get to know the Malaysian players? Is there enough time to devise a strategy to take on our opponents since the next international fixture is only weeks away? Is there enough time for him to implement his philosophy?
“Time is never enough for any coach. Even Jose Mourinho said he needs two years to build the team he needs.” Nelo Vingada said at the press conference. Vingada’s first task is to prep the national football team to face Lebanon for their 2019 Asian Cup qualifying fixture on June 13.
The coach, who arrived in Malaysia in the last week of May, has only about two weeks to get to know the national team players who was assigned to him, assess their strengths, weaknesses, and how to get the best out of them.
“I don’t want to give excuses that I need more time. I will work to shape my team into a quality players. Of course there pressure but it is normal before the game, it is good pressure.” Bernama quoted him as saying.
“I hope to use this time to get to know my players since I only arrived here last week, but I do believe in the people that I’m working with.” the Portuguese coach added.
Vingada is currently at the Larkin Stadium with his assistant, Tan Cheng Hoe, along with the FAM president, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, and the Harimau Malaya squad for their first national team training under “The Professor.”
However, Vingada is currently 11 players short as the players from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) will only join the national team training after their AFC Cup fixture against Ceres tonight.
When asked about the issue of “old horses” in the national squad, Vingada said that even countries like England and Portugal play with players who are over 30. What’s important to him is that the player is hardworking and disciplined.
Malaysia will be taking on Lebanon at the Larkin Stadium on the 13 of June. Come on down and show your support for our Tigers!
Other posts by Gowri Krishnan
