Slick moves: PJ City’s Darren Lok is being challenged by Selangor players during their Super League match. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The heat is on Selangor as their administration are faced with a mounting call for a leadership change.
After losing to Petaling Jaya City 0-1 in their Super League encounter at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday, a small group of fans remonstrated at the stadium’s grandstand area, urging the Red Giants chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon to step down.
A few hours later, the CEO issued an ultimatum to the playing squad to buck up.
“The results in the last few matches have been unacceptable. This is not how Selangor should be,” said Dr Johan.
“The club demand more from the team, and they have no excuses for under-delivering on the pitch.”
In the game against PJ City, Selangor had the possession and created chances, but it was obvious in the faces of the players that they lacked confidence.
While Selangor’s slump continued, the Phoenix broke their 14-game winless run since April, with striker Darren Lok scoring his eighth goal of the season with a superb finish in the 58th minute.
The Red Giants have lost their last five games in all competitions.
After being ousted in the FA Cup on Aug 6, Selangor made the decision to reinstate Michael Feichtenbeiner as technical director and gave the coaching gig on an interim basis to former player Nidzam Jamil.
But nothing has changed under Nidzam’s tutelage so far as Selangor have lost to Terengganu 0-2 at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Aug 17, and now PJ City.
They are currently ninth in the league with 16 points from 15 games.
Nidzam called for home support despite their struggles.
“We do not want to be in this situation, but it has happened. We didn’t have enough character to win the game. We had so many chances, but our attitude in front of the goal wasn’t good enough,” said Nidzam.
“There are a few players who we believe can give more. We have to get our heads right now.
“You can see from the beginning that the fans were against us. It’s like they do not like us.
“We understand. But we need home support.
“The fans have every right to comment and react, but a little support would have helped. We need our fans. From the first minute itself, we didn’t feel at home.
“I understand their feelings but a little bit of sympathy and empathy will help.
“We will push for the extra mile. If we push enough, there will be changes.
“We can’t be sad, we are professionals, we have to change the situation.”
