Hoping for the best: Kuala Lumpur will be counting on their new striker Jordan Mintah in the PSM Makassar tie. — Kuala Lumpur’s Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR: PSM Makassar coach Bernardo Tavares has heated things up before the AFC Cup Asean zone final against Kuala Lumpur by questioning why the crucial clash is not played at a neutral venue.
During the pre-match press conference yesterday, the outspoken Portuguese admonished the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for their decision to host it at KL’s ground, the Cheras Football Stadium today.
Makassar qualified after beating Kedah 2-1 in the semi-final at the Stadion Kapten I Wayan Dipta in Bali, Indonesia, on Aug 9.
They had earlier faced the City Boys in July’s group stages where the match ended 0-0 in Cheras.
The fact that they will be playing at the venue again has irked Tavares.
“Why must the game be held in Malaysia again? They could have had the game at a neutral venue. I’ve nothing against the city or country, but why do we have to always play Kuala Lumpur in Kuala Lumpur?” he questioned.
“This is a big competition, they could have had the final in another place. Why must it be held in the city where the AFC headquarters are located? Nobody has given me an answer about this.
“But we are already here and we will give our best. We know Kuala Lumpur coach (Bojan Hodak) used to train Makassar and he has a strong team. They also have a new striker (Jordan Mintah).”
Tavares also pleaded for fair play during the match.
“I just ask for the game to be 11 versus 11. I’ve had experience in this competition where referees have made mistakes. I’m not stupid. I ask the referee for a fair game.
“If we draw or lose, we do not want that outcome to be influenced by the ref. We do not want him to help us. I want my players to feel like they gave everything without being influenced by any controversial outcome.”
It’s no surprise to hear him say such things as during the semis against Kedah, two of his players – centreback Yuran Fernandes and midfielder Agung Manan – were red carded.
Both players will be missing tonight and Fernandes’ absence will sorely felt as he has been the team’s most impressive player in the Indonesian League.
“We have to find solutions. Who knows, maybe our reserve goalkeeper can fill his place,” he joked.
Meanwhile, Rizky Eka Pratama urged his teammates to win it for the country.
“We will work hard and make Indonesia proud. A win would be great because our country recently celebrated its independence day on Aug 17. I want the players to give 1,000% ,” said the 23-year-old winger.
