Be more vocal on the pitch, says Dollah

Dollah wants his players to improve communication on and off the field. -ROHAIZAT DARUS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Speak up, guys!

National coach Dollah Salleh wants his players to start talking on the pitch as they prepare for the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final clash against Vietnam on Sunday .

“I don’t see much communication among the players ... be it in training or in competition. They must be able to speak and share information and play as a unit. Communication is an important tool in any team sport ... without it there is no organisation,” said Dollah.

That’s why the former international wants the players to be more vocal on the pitch.

“I’ve always stressed on the importance of communication during my briefing sessions. It’s top on my list besides talking about strategies and other aspects of the game. It is simple ... better communication leads to better understanding.

“For example, the goalkeeper will have half his workload cut out if he communicates well with his backline.”

Dollah said that skipper “Mohd Shukor Adan is the only one in the heart of defence who gives out instruction to the players”.

“Now that Shukor is suspended (for the next game) I hope the others will take the lead to get the team moving, especially the seniors,” said Dollah.

Shukor and striker Mohd Amri Yahyah will have no part to play when the national team face Vietnam on Sunday. The duo will serve out a one-match suspension each.

Mohd Fadhli Shas (left) and Mohd Muslim Ahmad (right) will be at the heart of defence against Vietnam.

Dollah said that centreback Mohd Muslim Ahmad is one of the likely candidates to replace Shukor in the backline.

“Muslim is also commanding at the back and even partnered Mohd Fadhli Shas in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, which Malaysia won. Muslim should not have any problems partnering his (Super League side) Police team-mate Mohd Afif Amirudin,” said Dollah.

As for Amri’s replacement, Dollah has options aplenty in the likes of S. Kunalan, Indra Putra Mahayuddin, Abdul Manaf Mamat and Mohd Badhri Radzi.

“I don’t think I have a problem here. Of course, I’ll miss the two versatile players. But the question is who will start. I’ll be working on the replacements in the next couple of days,” said Dollah.