Datuk M. Karathu is a name that is incredibly synonymous with the Malaysian football fraternity, and it comes as no surprise as well. He’s been involved with the local football scene for almost 50 years now, initially playing for Perak in the 60s and 70s, before moving into management – an area that he’s been thriving in since then. Widely known as Coach K, he guided Perak to their first ever FA Cup title in 1990 but the current generation of fans would perhaps remember his exploits with Kelantan just a few years back. He left the East Coast side after winning the Super League in 2011 and after being out of management for almost three years, Coach K is now back for a third stint with Perak FA. He was appointed as a replacement for Vjeran Simunic, and FourthOfficial.com caught up with him for a quick interview!
FO: Congrats on your return to football management, Datuk! How does it feel to be back in football after a decent spell outside of it?
MK: Although I was away from the hectic Super League management scene for the last three years, my commitment towards football was a continuous affair. I was the Technical Director of Royal Selangor Club’s junior football program. I still have the passion for top-level football. I have gone through the stress and pressure on the job for years. All human beings need to absorb pressure and work toward achieving success. I feel, I can still contribute to the game in many aspects. I am a Perakian and Ipoh is my home. This is a big challenge.
FO: Vjeran Simunic was initially appointed to take charge of the squad, before things changed and you were given the role. What exactly happened?
MK: Yes, three months ago, I read and heard that Vjeran Simunic was appointed as the head coach to prepare a reasonably stronger team for the coming season. But the players, assistant coaches and President were not happy with his training methods and the sub-par foreign players that he signed. I never saw his coaching sessions so honestly, I don’t have any comments on Simunic’s status. I was approached in the middle of December. I promised to have a look at the team and lead few training sessions before making my final decision. I have always been willing to help the state team. As a player for Perak, I won two FAM medals, two Malaysia Cup medals and one Malaya Cup runners-up. As a coach, I led Perak to their first FA Cup title and guided Perak to two Malaysia Cup semi finals and one Malaysia Cup final in four years.
FO: Having been in charge of the squad for a few weeks, what is your take on the level of quality that exists within the team?
MK: I have to divide the quality of players into two categories; the foreigners and the local players. The new season will allow four foreigners to play at one go. I am satisfied with the commitment of two players and the rest need to impress me during the season. I have a bunch of unexposed talents as well and these youngsters need to be polished. With the right attitude and character, they can be turned into diamonds.
FO: Chad Souza and Bobby Gonzales were strike partners at PDRM last year. Do you think their understanding will benefit the squad greatly or are they struggling to adapt?
MK: The Brazilian, Chad Souza, has been working hard. I like his character and attitude in training. Bobby Gonzales is on the injury list as of now but either way, he hasn’t been training hard under me. He is yet to impress me in friendly matches and there’s not much time before the season starts.
FO: Yet again, the Perak squad is made up of quite a number of youngsters, and some of them even excelled in 2014. Your thoughts on them?
MK: The Perak squad consists of a number of home-grown youngsters. Some of the players who were coming up the ranks last year left for other teams. I missed the opportunity to work with them. Young players must understand that they need exposure. They should go to a team where they can play in the first eleven. Everything is possible, and I hope these youngsters can shine when they’re given the chance to play.
FO: Realistically, what is Perak’s main aspiration for the upcoming season of MSL? Fans are hoping for a trophy. Would that be possible?
MK: Every team wants to win trophies. Every fan would also want to see their team win a trophy. I certainly like to win trophies as well. But football is a team game. You need a dynamic group of players, talented individuals, high level of physical conditioning and players with winning attitude. As of now, I am educating the players on all aspects of competitive football, how to improve and achieve results. Anything is possible if the players start to think and perform.
FO: Speculation suggests that you are plotting for several transfer moves in April. Is it true? Are there specific players that you are looking at?
MK: Well, we can’t buy locally registered players. We can only register players who are outsiders. There’s no quality in the amateur league. But, you can change foreign players in April so if a foreigner fails to perform, I will opt to change them.
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