Hard at work: Pahang’s Nicholas Swirad (left) challenges a Police player during their Super League match. — Photo by Pahang FC
PETALING JAYA: Pahang puzzled many observers when they signed seven centrebacks before the Super League season kicked off.That was against the norm, as clubs usually beef up their backlines with four to five new signings for that department.
But Elephants coach Fandi Ahmad had other ideas. Apart from strengthening a suspect back line, the extra hard men at his disposal also had the versatility to be rotated and utilised in other positions.
Uzbekistani Sherzod Fayziev and Argentinian Stefano Brundo, for instance, have even operated as midfielders during some games.
That leaves the likes of Mohd Fadhli Shas, Nicholas Swirad, Muslim Ahmad, Michael Glassock and Ibrahim Manusi being rotated for the centreback spots.
Swirad was one of many who were baffled by Fandi’s pre-occupation with defenders at first, but he knows better now after having a discussion with the Singaporean legend.
“I was surprised by the big number of defenders being signed and I spoke to Fandi about it. He said he was going to rotate them and make sure all of them will be used the right way. As it turned out, the defence has probably been our main strength so far,” said the 31-year-old Swirad.
Fandi’s many options have certainly paid dividends. Pahang are still unbeaten in the league after seven matches, winning three and drawing four to lie fourth in the standings with 13 points.
They have scored 13 goals and only conceded six.
And the Elephants are expected to continue their unbeaten run when they take on Kelantan United at the Darul Makmur Stadium today.
Swirad added that the positive environment and harmony created by Fandi and manager Datuk Dollah Salleh have also lifted the team.
“They’ve been very open with the players and have made things enjoyable in the camp, and that’s very important.’’
