PETALING JAYA: Penang’s coach Thomas Trucha is desperate for a victory after an insipid start to the Super League season.
The Czech coach is not happy that his charges have only collected two points from three games and did not hide his feelings after they drew 1-1 against Sarawak United on Tuesday.
Before facing the Golden Hornbills, they lost to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 0-1 and were held by Melaka 1-1.
Defensively, the team looked solid, especially with goalkeeper Khatul Anuar Jalil shining with many of his saves, but it’s the attacking department that needs sharpening. He said the team shouldn’t be happy with a point, instead rued the fact that they had lost two points from the game in Kuching.
“We came for three points, but it did not happen. In the first-half, we did not convert our chances, and we got punished. I’m not happy with the result,” said Trucha.
“In the second-half, we dropped a little, did not hold the ball well, and gave away possession.
“While Sarawak took their half-chance well, we lost because of our own mistakes.”
Trucha now hopes that his boys can end the winless run when they take on Negri Sembilan at the City Stadium in Georgetown today.
He said the return of striker Casagrande, who scored against Sarawak and midfielder Endrick Santos, would galvanise the squad.
Both players returned after being suspended by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for their involvement in a brawl in Penang’s Terengganu Menteri Besar Cup match against Terengganu II on Feb 10.
Trucha certainly believes that the understanding of the team will only get better in the weeks to come.
“There is room for improvement. As a coach, I know the team can play better. In the first two games of the season, we did not have Casa and Endrick,” he said.
“Now that they are back, our team will get better. That’s the hope for the game against Negri.”
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