PETALING JAYA: Coach P. Maniam has embraced change since taking charge of Police this Super League season without his own coaching team.
He has been named as the Cop’s new coach on Friday but will have to work with the coaching staff given by the police force.
It’s not the norm for Maniam but he is willing to give it a try.
In fact, most of the coaches in the team are officers with the police force including Eddy Gapil, who will be his assistant for the league starting in May.
“I’ve to adapt because some of them come from the police force. The way they work is different and I’ll do my best to understand their styles,” said Maniam.
Maniam has conducted four training sessions with them and had even watched them play one pre-season game against Terengganu, where they lost 1-6.
“I hope to be a good leader and communicate well with the team. The players are trying to get use to my ways as a coach and I saw this in the last four sessions,” said Maniam.
“I want to ensure there is intensity in our game. I want them to understand the philosophy I bring to the field.’’
Maniam coached Harini in the M3 League last year where they finished third in the division.
When asked what was it like to be back in the big league, Maniam said he was elated.
“It’s nice to be back in the big league. Police would be a good challenge for me and I want to repay the faith shown by the management,” he said.
“I want to make sure that there is harmony and chemistry. The club have made some signings and we want to make sure that everyone can understand each other.”
They have hired striker Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi and Nigerians Faith Obilor (centreback) and Chidi Osuchukwu (midfielder).
The club are expected to sign two more foreigners and one of them is expected to be Nigerian striker Ifedayo Olusegun, who was the Super League Golden Boot winner in 2020 and 2021.
