Impressive credentials: Kinoshi was previously the assistant manager for the Serbian national team. — Selangor FC
PETALING JAYA: The announcement of as the new Selangor football coach means that Abdi Hassan will return to his duties as Selangor II coach.
But the Dutchman isn’t feeling slighted. Instead he is ready to assist the 60-year-old Japanese coach and give him the full backing when the latter reports for duty with the Red Giants this week.
Under Hassan, the Red Giants drew 1-1 against Pahang in the Malaysia Cup round of 16 first-leg game at the Temerloh Stadium on Saturday.
“It was an amazing experience coaching the side on an interim basis. I had a good time training the first team and seeing some of the boys I groomed from the second team, doing well for the Super League side,” said Hassan.
“I will give my full support to the new coach and will be there to assist him when he joins the club.”
Kinoshi was previously the assistant manager for the Serbian national team, having worked under the legendary Dragan Stojkovic in the national set-up. Selangor will be Kinoshi’s first head coaching job.
He was previously also assistant coach to sides like Guangzhou FC, Nagoya Grampus Eight and Yokohama FC.
“I am honoured to join Selangor, and I am excited to work with the talented players here.
‘‘Together, we will strive to build a team that are not only strong tactically but also filled with spirit and determination to succeed,” said Kinoshi.
Besides Stojkovic, he has also worked with Dutch legend Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Guangzhou and former Japan coach Akira Nishino in Yokohama.
The club believes Kinoshi’s vast experience, tactical intelligence, and leadership skills will be crucial assets for the club.
“His time working with Stojkovic, van Bronckhorst and Nishino has shaped his unique coaching philosophy, which blends tactical discipline with creative attacking play, while also emphasising teamwork and mental toughness,” said a statement from the club.
As for the 1-1 draw against Pahang, Hassan said the poor pitch conditions due to heavy rain scuppered his game plan but he was pleased to see his side come back to get a draw.
Pahang’s goal was scored by winger Sean Selvaraj in the 27th minute, while Selangor’s equaliser came from Croatian midfielder Nikola Jambor in the 82nd minute.
“You come up with a solution to win a game, but when you have such a pitch, it is tough. Luckily we came back in the second half, but we could have scored more goals.’’
The second leg will be held at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Dec 1.
