PETALING JAYA: Coaches come and go but the onus is on the players to qualify for the Asian Cup in 2027.
Outgoing coach Pau Marti Vicente said players would have to step up.
Even though he would not be part of the third-round qualifying campaign, beginning March next year, the Spaniard said the current set of players in the national setup must be trusted to do their part.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have announced Peter Cklamovski as the new coach. His arrival is expected to see massive changes in the structure, which could also affect the players’ selection for the qualifiers.
Johor regent and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim stated on social media that he would be having a meeting with FIFA representatives to get data on Malaysian mixed-heritage players overseas.
Vicente, though, believes the current pool of players in Harimau Malaya have what it takes to do well in the qualifiers.
“This team are not in the beginning stage but they have grown,” said the Spaniard, who will leave after the AFF Cup.
“Most of them have been playing together for three to four years.
“It is my hope and wish to see Malaysia qualify consecutively in the Asian Cup.
“In the qualifiers, every game is important but I have a lot of belief in this group. To me, a coach is not very important. Players are important.
“They must stick together, fight together and battle together for that dream of playing in the Asian Cup again.”
Placed in Group F, Malaysia will face Vietnam, Laos and Nepal in the qualifiers.
