PETALING JAYA – Newly appointed head coach of the national football team Kim Pan-Gon insisted on taking up the offer made by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) than remain as South Korean Football Association technical director and join his team in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
The 52-year-old South Korean said that he did not hesitate to accept FAM’s proposal to lead the national team despite knowing the uphill battle he would be facing in attempting to take the Harimau Malaya squad to the next level.
Speaking to the press during a media conference at the FAM headquarters, Pan-Gon admitted the squad had a lot of room for improvement, which included the team’s tactics as well as the players’ mental state and physical capabilities.
However, Pan-Gon said that he was incredibly honoured to be given the role of head coach for the national team and he thanked FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin and the FAM executive committee for trusting him with this huge responsibility.
“From what I see, the players have potential but lack the confidence to go to the next level.
“So, my first task is to help them build their confidence before we get into the tactical part,” he said.
“I am familiar with the F30 project for the national team, and I am very well aware that we have set a goal (to take the team) beyond the level of Southeast Asia. This is what I want to help Malaysia achieve and I promise that we will do our best to make it happen.
“I hope that we are given some time to build a solid foundation first and to move forward towards our goals by focusing on the bigger picture.
“I’m also aware that the motto of Malaysia is ‘unity is strength’. I believe that if everyone can unite with us with the support and trust from all of you, we will succeed in achieving our goals.”
The press conference was also attended by FAM secretary-general Mohd Saifuddin Abu Bakar, technical director Scott O’Donell and FAM exco Christopher Raj, who is also the chairman of the FAM media, communications and public relations committee.
At the same time, Pan-Gon wants to prepare the team for the Asian Cup qualifiers, which is set to take place in June this year.
“My short-term target is to qualify for the Asian Cup in China and then focus on the next edition of the AFF Cup. But the bigger picture is the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“As for the long-term, I will discuss with the football clubs on how to improve the players’ competitiveness and strengthen their physical and mental status, adding that it is equally important to set up strong foundations, including nurturing a strong team spirit,” he said.
Pan-Gon’s coaching staff include assistant coach Pau Marti Vicente from Spain, goalkeeper coach Cho Jun-Ho from South Korea, fitness coach Dr Gokhan Kandemir from Turkey and an analyst from South Korea, Lim Jae-Hun
However, Pan-Gon will be appointing a local assistant coach soon. – The Vibes, February 17, 2022
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