PETALING JAYA: National team coach Kim Pan-gon has urged Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (pic) to reconsider his decision to step down from managing Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
The South Korean said it would be a big loss to Malaysian football if Tunku Ismail, who is also the Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ), leaves the football scene.
“In less than a decade, Tunku Ismail has managed to bring JDT to a higher level in line with his love for football. I think Malaysian football really needs Tunku Ismail,” said Pan-gon.
“Under his stewardship, JDT channelled more than 15 players to the national squad. There are more new and better players in the pipeline from the club.
“Tunku Ismail has always supported the national team from the beginning and we really appreciate his services.
“Before my arrival, I also knew that JDT’s training facilities and infrastructure are of European standard.
“We appreciate Tunku Ismail’s offer for the Malayan Tigers to train in Johor.
“Through the existing infrastructure, those who train there can benefit from the latest facilities.
“From my personal point of view, it’s another contribution of JDT to Malaysian football,” he said in a statement released by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) yesterday.
TMJ stunned the local football fraternity when he announced his decision to leave JDT and hand over the day-to-day affairs of the club to the top management.
JDT technical director Alistair Edwards yesterday confirmed that TMJ still remains the owner of the club and holds the majority of shares despite his announcement.
Edwards added that TMJ will not be involved in the daily running and technical matters but will continue to oversee areas like infrastructure and commercial aspects of the club.
Apart from that, Pan-gon said JDT had helped to further enhance the profile of Malaysian football, especially in terms of development and branding which can be used as an example to state clubs.
“Tunku Ismail has put JDT on a level that allows the club to qualify for the Asian Champions League.
“Thanks to Tunku Ismail’s contribution, JDT have gained recognition throughout Asia, thus helping to improve the standard of club football in Malaysia.
“The winning mentality instilled by Tunku Ismail is important in bringing about change in local football,” he added.
JDT made a breakthrough when they reached the knockout stage (last 16) of the Asian Champions League recently.
