SHAH ALAM: The first order of the day for Selangor’s new coach Tan Cheng Hoe (pic) is to make sure the players grasp his style of play quickly.
The former national coach started his first day of training yesterday by introducing himself to the boys and coaching staff.
Cheng Hoe, who has been given an early start to work with the club before the 2023 season, believes the current crop of players can adapt to his style of possession-based football.
And his job is made easier as he will have several players who had played under him in the national team such as striker Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi, goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid, midfielders Abdul Halim Saari and Brendan Gan.
“I’ve been watching Selangor’s game before my appointment. My assessment? In some matches, they were unlucky to pick up defeats or draws,” said Cheng Hoe.
“And when that happens, confidence will go down. That is something Nidzam (Jamil) has been working on as interim coach.
“Their football could have been better. In terms of possession, I think it can be improved and off the ball, we will fine-tune some aspects, especially pressing.
“My philosophy is always to have the ball. So that will be something I will emphasise on during training.
“Having the likes of Halim, Brendan, Eky (Shahrel), and Yan (Khairulazhan) will be helpful because they understand how I work. So I’m sure they’ll impart that knowledge to their teammates.
“It’s nice to be back again after nine months. The club believe in me and it is my intention to repay that faith.”
As for his backroom staff, Cheng Hoe had agreed with the management to work with the current set-up with Nidzam as his assistant.
“I know Nidzam’s reputation for Selangor. He was a player for them and now their coach. He was also the head coach at Felda United. So he has good footballing nous.”
Cheng Hoe’s first game in charge will be against Melaka at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Oct 1.
Selangor are currently eighth in the Super League with 20 points from 18 matches.
