Skilful: V. Ruventhiran (centre) dribbling past two players during a national Under-23 team training session. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: The Harimau Muda have come under much criticism over their below-par recent performances in regional football tournaments but one of their key men is looking to learn from it.
Wingback V. Ruventhiran is aware of the brickbats against the Malaysian Under-23 side after they finished fourth in the Asian Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship.
The target was to finish the tournament as champions but Malaysia lost to eventual winners Vietnam 1-4 in the semi-final.
Many felt that the team had not improved since their poor outing in the SEA Games in May where they failed to reach the semi-finals.
Even former Harimau Muda coach Azraai Khor Abdullah felt there was no strategy or shape in their play, which is reflection of Malaysia’s football development in recent years.
Ruventhiran, 22, said he is aware of the critical comments and admitted that his teammates were not satisfied with finishing only fourth in the tournement.
“We are certainly not satisfied, as we wanted to reach the final. But in terms of performance, we are getting better and we will keep on learning. We accept the criticism as people have their expectations when we don the national colours,” said the Selangor player.
“The nation is watching us and the pressure is high. Some young players are learning and I will always help them out in dealing with the pressure. This team always listen and learn from their mistakes. We are always strong together.
“I feel we, as a team, are learning a lot from this camp. The bonding among the players is getting better and the new players coming in are adapting.
“For every game, there are at least four to five new players in the team. I’m really happy that we don’t have a fixed spot in the national team.”
Ruventhiran now hopes to make amends in the next assignment, which is the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers from Sept 6-12 in Thailand.
Malaysia are in Group H with Thailand, Bangladesh and the Philippines, with all the matches being played in Chonburi, Thailand.
The squad list is not out yet but Ruventhiran is confident about being included.
“I have proven myself to the coaches. Getting a spot in the national team is not easy and you really have to earn it. If the coaches are happy with me, I’ll be picked. I’m always ready to play for the nation. Tanah tumpahnya darahku (A line from the national anthem, which means the land where my blood drops).”
Ruventhiran has been an ever-present for the national under-23 team under coach E. Elavarasan this year but wished he could have played a bigger part for his club Selangor this season.
But he said that he is at a stage where he is learning how to be consistent and knows one day the opportunities will come for him with the Red Giants.
“I’m maturing as a player. At 22, I’m at the breakthrough stage and I’m learning how to be consistent. I’m glad that the coaching staff are helping me a lot. I look forward to improving and learning more.”
