KUALA LUMPUR – South Korean Kim Pan-gon was announced as the new head coach of the national football team in January and has since done what none of his recent predecessors have ever been able to do for Malaysia – qualify for the Asian Cup.
According to Football Association of Malaysia president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, not everyone is cut out to become a great international team head coach, but Pan-gon deserves the credit.
“To be a good coach for an international team, especially one that is not your nationality, is not a simple task.
“You can’t just take any coach and expect them to make a country perform on an international stage,” he said after Malaysia’s 4-1 defeat of Bangladesh that secured their spot in the 2023 Asian Cup.
Hamidin said when it comes to coaching an international team, 50% of the effort is reflective on the pitch, while the other half comes from what goes on out off the field.
“When I asked several players about their impressions of Pan-gon’s coaching methods, they told me it was easy, quick, and effective.
“I did not need to hear more. I knew that what he was doing off the pitch was effective and could bring positive changes to the team’s performance,” he added.
Speaking on the next steps to bring the national team to greater heights, Hamidin said preparations for the future begin now.
“We need to be able to spend on the things that matter. Pan-gon is ready and knows what needs to be done.
“He has requested many things from us, we have no issues providing them as he knows how to utilise them well.
“When someone demands something, they must justify it, and Pan-gon has been proving that it is all for the betterment of the team and country,” he added.
Hamidin also said that all the investments done to the Harimau Malaya are for the Malaysian people, as the sport brings people together and gives them national pride.
“Football is for the people, it brings everyone together during good and bad times.
“When we play bad, everyone harps on us, rightfully so. I hope the current success gives everyone something to cheer on and I hope they keep supporting us.” – The Vibes, June 16, 2022.
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