Going all out: Negri Sembilan’s Herold Goulon (front) vying for the ball with Kelantan United’s Ismaheel Akinade. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Stop berating your own team.
This is Negri Sembilan coach K. Devan’s message to the home fans after they showed lack of respect despite reaching the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
The Deer marched into the last eight with an aggregate of 5-2 against Kelantan United. On Sunday, they had beaten their opponents 4-2 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi just days after pulling off a slim 1-0 win in the first leg.
In the second leg, Negri’s goals were scored by Brazilian striker Casagrande in the eighth minute, midfielder R. Barath Kumar (19th), Myanmar winger Hein Htet Aung (34th) and Spanish striker Youssef Ezzejjari (85th).
Kelantan United replied through Filipino winger OJ Porteria in the fourth minute and striker Indra Putra Mahayuddin (65th).
It was the goals conceded that got the fans riled up, with some even booing them. The discontent has been there as the club are currently ninth in the Super League with 21 points from 20 matches and have not won their last nine league matches.
Devan said his players deserved better treatment, especially in the predicament they were in.
“When we concede, fans are not happy, but look at our quality, they have to understand. We have issues with this team. I can’t reveal them,” said Devan.
“Players have never caused any problems but unfortunately, they have to play even though there are off-field issues.
“With the imports and locals that we have, we are ninth in the Super League, which is still good. We are only seven points away from the seventh-placed team.
“We can’t compare ourselves with sides that have bigger budgets. Selangor’s budget is five times bigger than ours. What can we do?
“I hope the fans will be patient and if they continue to berate the players, we can’t go far. Support the players instead.”
Negri will take on defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the two-legged quarter-finals on Sept 15 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi and away game on Sept 23 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
Despite the issues, Devan said his team were looking forward to facing the Southern Tigers.
“We are excited with every opportunity to play against JDT. We are motivated to take on the best team in the country. I hope, this time, we will try to do something special.
“If we have Herold (Goulon), Casa (Casagrande), Hein (Htet Aung) and Shahrel (Fikri Md Fauzi) for the game against JDT. We have a decent team.”
