Multi-talented: Pahang’s Mykola Ahapov (right) can defend and also score goals.
PETALING JAYA: The Penang hot seat is getting even hotter for coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli.
The Panthers have lost their roar in the Super League, with their winless run now at five matches, the latest being a 0-1 defeat to Pahang at the City Stadium on Sunday.
Ukrainian winger Mykola Ahapov was the match-winner when he scored in the 45th minute.
The number of fans has reduced at the stadium as the team struggled to get a win on their home ground, having won only one match out of five home games this season.
Some fans have even asked the club to consider Akmal’s position as coach and it is learnt that the management is looking at his performances in recent weeks.
Akmal, who was a former national striker, said it is up to the management to decide his future but he believes that he can help them come out of their rut in the upcoming fixtures.
“It is up to the management and board of directors to see what is best for the team. I have done my utmost best, but I believe in the quality of my players and what they have done this season. We will continue working,” he said.
“If I am given the trust, I would surely do my all to improve the team and see what needs to be done to reach the KPI (Key performance indicator), which is mid-table.
“I’ve no complaints against the team, maybe the poor form could be due to me but I vow to make things right.”
When asked about the fans, Akmal understands why the numbers are going down in the stands.
“When they see the performance of the team, and not winning the last three games, for sure they are disappointed, hence the reduced numbers. I want to apologise to the fans for what we are going through at the moment.
“It is already half season, and we have 12 more games. The boys realise they have to give a better effort if they want to revitalise their season.”
Penang will next take on Sabah at the City Stadium in Georgetown on Friday.
“We will face Sabah, a complete team. It will be tough. But if my boys have the mentality to improve things, I believe we can do something special against them.”
Meanwhile, Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad was delighted to see his charges grind out a win against the physically imposing home side.
“We got what we wanted. We knew our opponents, so we were compact in midfield, making sure they struggled to play their usual way,” said the Singaporean legend.
“First-half, we were direct with our attacks and played on the flanks often. Luckily we got the goal towards the end of the half.
“The second half, they played a lot of long balls for their number nine but our defence was strong. Not forgetting, Zarif (Irfan Hashimuddin) played well as a goalie. They fought as one, and I am happy.”
Pahang are now ninth in the league with 14 points, while Penang are 11th with 11 points.
