Huge impact: Herold Goulon was singled out by Negri Sembilan coach K. Devan for his inspiring performance. — Negri Sembilan FC
PETALING JAYA: A stomach ache did not stop Negri Sembilan’s Herold Goulon from plotting the downfall of his former team in their Super League match.
The French centreback, who played for Pahang from 2019-2021, was a pillar of strength as he snuffed out the Elephants’ attacks in the Deer’s 3-0 win at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Saturday.
New signings, Brazilian striker Gustavo Almeida and Palestinian international playmaker Yashir Pinto, got their first goals for the club in the 34th and 48th minutes respectively while another Brazilian poacher Matheus Alves sealed the comfortable win with the third goal in the 54th minute.
Coach K. Devan, who led the team to the Premier League title last year, was grinning from ear to ear.
“Goulon had food poisoning before the match but if you look at his performance, it seems as though he wasn’t troubled by it,” said Devan.
“It was neat, really neat. As a coach, I could not have asked for a better performance.
“We were disciplined in every area. In defence, we stayed resolute and upfront, we created lots of chances.
“The two goals in the second half helped us to calm down and from then on, it was just about managing the game.
“Gustavo and Yashir got their first goals for the club and were much better compared to the previous game.”
Negri are currently second in the Super League with 19 points after 10 games.
They are equal on points with JDT, but the Southern Tigers have three games in hand.
Meanwhile, Pahang’s French coach Christophe Gamel is on a tightrope after suffering his sixth defeat of the season. Yesterday’s loss was also the worst so far.
Asked about his future, Gamel said it was up to the management.
“We made mistakes. When I asked the players to pass, they did the opposite.
“It is not PlayStation, I can’t control their choices. They make their own.
“They have to grow up but against Negri, we were just bad, especially defensively,” he said.
“My future in the team is up to the management. They will see what’s best for Pahang. Whatever the decision, I will respect it.”
Pahang are 11th in the league with eight points after 10 matches.
