Datuk Dollah Salleh (left) together with his assistant coach Ahmad Shaharuddin during Pahang's training session in Kuantan. - Photo by Pahang FC
PETALING JAYA: Pahang coach Dollah Salleh is beginning to worry after his team lost the last two Super League games.
The Elephants lost to Terengganu 2-1 last month and fell 2-0 to Kuala Lumpur on Sept 11.
They have had a three-week break from the league and are preparing for their last four games against Sarawak United (Oct 1), Johor Darul Ta’zim (Oct 7), Sabah (Oct 11), and Negri Sembilan (Oct 15).
Dollah is hoping for them to replicate their earlier form, where they were unbeaten in five games between July and August. Then, they had triumphed over Selangor (2-0), Kedah (2-0), Petaling Jaya City (3-0) and Penang (3-2) and held Melaka (2-2).
“In the three-week break, we played several friendly games, and today we will take on Terengganu before flying to Kuching for the game against Sarawak United. The friendlies have helped us identify and rectify some of our weaknesses,” he said.
“I do not deny the team’s momentum has been affected by the last two defeats, so I hope we can bounce back against Sarawak. A win against them will help us in terms of confidence.
“Right now, I’m not concerned about where we will end up in the standing.
“I just want the boys to give their all, play good football and bring that momentum to the Malaysia Cup.”
Pahang are currently seventh in the league with 21 points from 18 games. To be in the second seed spot for the Malaysia Cup draw, they must finish between fifth and eighth.
In terms of player injuries and suspension, Dollah was relieved as there were no such issues and even winger Baqiuddin Shamsudin was back with the team after dealing with personal matters.
“I have many players to choose from for my first 11. It is an excellent problem to have. Baqiuddin couldn’t play in the last two games because his child was not feeling well but he is back and his presence will surely add bite in our attack.”
