PETALING JAYA – Newly appointed Kelantan FC chief coach Frank Bernhardt has set his plan in motion to turn the fortunes of the east coast team around.
The German, who initially came in as a technical director last month, said he was prepared to improve the physical fitness of the players as they have been prone to injuries.
“We have to work on the players’ fitness and develop stronger physiques to minimise injuries when they are attacked.
“If they are fitter and stronger, then there is something to expect in the future.
“I did not expect any of these issues (when I came in as head coach). A lot of the things I have seen, I think, should be changed,” he said.
Bernhardt, former national U-23 head coach, was met at a press conference after a Super League match against Selangor FC at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya here last night.
His squad lost 0-3 to Selangor, making it their third consecutive loss after defeats by Negri Sembilan FC and Terengganu FC.
Nevertheless, the 53-year-old coach said he was satisfied with his players’ actions on the field despite the lack of preparation after taking over from South Korean boss Choi Moon-Sik a few days ago.
“I am satisfied with what we planned. The first goal was the result of an individual error. We should have scored in the first half because we played neatly but the problem was, we could not score.
“I could not make the tactical change in the second half due to player injuries and it is difficult to change players especially when their level of fitness is not so good.
“I planned to make it a draw with Selangor, but the lack of players is not making it easy,” he said.
Bernhardt has 18 more matches to go in the league to turn around the fortunes of the club.
The Red Warriors are currently second from the bottom of the Super League standings and have conceded 12 goals and scored two goals so far.
“I believe that I can make some changes for the team, for them to be able to collect the points they needed.
“It is also not an easy start and it is going to be a difficult season because we will be facing more top teams after this, such as Sabah FC,” he concluded. – The Vibes, April 10, 2023
