PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Thomas Cup failure has drawn much criticism, but the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) insist no individual should be singled out as a scapegoat.
BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei came to the defence of national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen after questions were raised over the Dane’s role in preparing the men’s singles line-up for the campaign in Horsens.
Malaysia went down 0-3 to China, with both national men’s singles players Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh losing to Shi Yuqi and Li Shifeng respectively.
Jun Hao, in particular, failed to register a win in the campaign, while Justin also struggled to make an impact.
However, Chong Wei believes it is not right to place the blame on Jonassen, and instead called for patience while continuing to back the coach.
He cited top South Korean coach Park Joo-bong as an example, saying it took time for him to build Japan into a badminton powerhouse.
“Before Park Joo-bong went to Japan, they were not getting results. It took time before he built them into a strong team over 20 years,” said Chong Wei.
"Jonassen has only been here for one and a half years, so how can he be expected to make immediate changes?
"If we keep changing coaches and coaching directors every year, how can we progress? You need to give time, at least four years or two terms.
“Even before Jonassen arrived in Malaysia, Jun Hao was already like this. We can blame the coaching set-up, but I don’t think it is only the coaches at fault.
''The players also need to be consistent. They must show the desire. If the coaches have shown the way and the players do not follow, that is also an issue.
"Even if we bring in the best coach in the world, the same thing will happen if the players do not want it, because they are too comfortable in their own zone.
Although the men’s singles have struggled to deliver, Jonassen’s presence has helped raise the standard of the women’s singles squad, as shown in their performances at the Uber Cup.
Despite the women’s team also losing 0-3 to China in the quarter-finals, K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching delivered encouraging displays against some of the world’s best players.
