Critic says improving Harimau Malaya is not just about hiring a top foreign coach

KUALA LUMPUR: Football analyst Dr Zulakbal Abd Karim has cautioned that simply bringing in a renowned foreign coach won't guarantee success for Harimau Malaya without matching the skill level of the players, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Elite Instructor explained. He emphasized that for a team to be competitive, there must be a balance between player ability and coach expertise, much like how even the best driver in Formula One would struggle without a competitive car.

Dr Zulakbal likened the situation to using a skilled Formula One driver but with an ordinary car; the team would still not be able to achieve success. He stressed that both the driver and the car must be of the same standard, moving in tandem and maintaining strong continuity within the team. Dr Zulakbal praised FAM for assembling its best combination of local, heritage, and naturalised players; however, the results indicate the team has yet to reach the desired Asean level, suggesting the current standard isn't fully met.

Hence, Harimau Malaya's management seeks a coach with an exceptional track record, but the appointment must be matched by the quality of the players so that their combined efforts bear fruit.