PETALING JAYA: It’s hard to lose a teammate but harder when he is a darn good one.
That’s why Negri Sembilan centreback Herold Goulan is saddened by the departure of Safuwan Baharuddin to Selangor.
He said losing Safuwan was a blow but the Deer had to move on.
“I am obviously disappointed because he is a good player. More than that, he is a good lad in the dressing room,” said the 35-year-old Goulon after Negri drew 1-1 with Kuala Lumpur at the Cheras Football Stadium on Saturday,
Colombian attacker Romel Morales put the City Boys ahead in the 40th minute but Negri equalised in stoppage time (93rd) through centreback Zainal Abidin Jamil.
“I do not know if he can be replaced. As long as he is happy wherever he is, I am happy,’’ said Goulan.
“We are aware that the club have a limited budget this season, so we cannot complain. We must fight with the players that we have.”
On the match that was played at 5.15pm, Goulon admitted that afternoon games are not his cup of tea.
“It’s better to play at night. I think the guys who planned to put the game in the evening have never even run before,” he said.
“The first half was really difficult. The second half was much better because there was a little bit of shadow. But it’s hard, it’s better at night.”
Goulon, who was sidelined by a mysterious illness for seven weeks before returning to action last week in the 0-2 defeat against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), said he was glad to be back but hopes for a clean sheet soon.
“I will try to bring some leadership and stability to the team. Things are working well but we have to keep clean sheets.
“I’ve been getting my regular 70 minutes, I’m okay with it because I’ve been away for weeks plus I’m getting older.
“I’ve to manage my body well and the coach is doing that because he doesn’t want too many injuries in his team.”
Negri Sembilan are ninth in the league with 20 points.
