{
  "id": 9421697,
  "title": "'Best squad' label brings no smile to Cheng Hoe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/best-squad-label-brings-no-smile-to-cheng-hoe-9421697",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T22:00:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1539686/best-squad-label-brings-no-smile-cheng-hoe"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tan Cheng Hoe, the interim coach of Harimau Malaya, rejects the notion that having the \"best squad on paper\" promises automatic success in the FIFA Asean Cup. While the quality of players at his disposal instills confidence, he emphasizes that it does not guarantee victory in every match. Cheng Hoe stresses that every player must understand the demands of delivering their best performance in the national jersey, especially as fan expectations grow. He acknowledges that a superior squad comes with higher expectations, requiring the team to secure results or wins to satisfy supporters. Cheng Hoe cautions against players being overly burdened by the weight of expectations, emphasizing that individual reputations and squad strength alone cannot guarantee victory in every match. Instead, he advocates focusing on each match individually, aiming for positive results step by step. Given the short timeframe for the Group A competition, with Malaysia facing Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh, Cheng Hoe urges his players to maintain focus on their responsibilities without worrying excessively about future matches. The FIFA Asean Cup, hosted in Indonesia from September 25 to October 5, has Malaysia drawn into Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh, with only the group winner advancing to the final. Harimau Malaya will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh in Jakarta tomorrow before facing Indonesia three days later.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tan Cheng Hoe rejects notion of best squad guaranteeing success.",
    "Emphasizes players must deliver best performance in national jersey.",
    "Urges focus on individual matches, not future results."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}