PETALING JAYA: Men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh defended Kenneth Jonassen after some blamed the Danish coach for Malaysia’s poor run of results in the men’s singles department.
Justin also suffered an early exit in the Malaysian Masters after losing 16-21, 14-21 to Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting, while compatriot and national No. 1 singles player Leong Jun Hao went down 19-21, 21-23 to China’s Hu Zhean.
Justin said it would be unfair to place the blame entirely on Jonassen for the disappointing results, as everyone had worked hard.
He also insisted that the players did not see any issues within the men’s singles camp despite claims that some were struggling to adapt to Jonassen’s European style of coaching.
“I think the players and coaches are one team and there is no problem between us because we work together.
"No matter whether it is the European style or Asian style, we always discuss things and share our opinions.
"Coach Kenneth accepts what we say and I also accept what coach Kenneth says. We work hard and even though the results have not come, I do not think that means there is a problem.
"What I can say is that there is no issue between the coaches and players," said Justin.
Justin also acknowledged that the men’s singles department has attracted plenty of criticism, especially after performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei revealed disciplinary issues involving some players, particularly Jun Hao.
However, as a player, he said he had to accept all the criticism and try to improve so that they could deliver the results expected.
"Honestly, the men’s singles players are under a lot of pressure because we have been trying our best to prove to everyone that we can do it. But I think because of that, we end up putting pressure on ourselves as well.
"There’s not much more to say, we just have to keep going and focus on the next tournament.
"I think there are always a lot of comments about the men’s singles department. But what can we do? We just listen, put it behind us and keep moving forward," he added.
Jun Hao and Justin will compete in the Singapore Open next, starting on Tuesday.
Jun Hao will take on Taiwan’s Lee Chia-hao in the first round, while Justin faces a tough opener against fourth seed Christo Popov of France.
