PETALING JAYA: Katsuhito Kinoshi wished his start to his head coaching career could have been better.
The Japanese coach, who took over Selangor on Nov 25, has lost his first two games as a coach and the recent one was a painful 1-2 defeat against Pahang in the Malaysia Cup round of 16 second-leg game at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday.
Pahang’s goals were scored by Argentinian winger Manuel Hidalgo (25th minute) and playmaker Sergio Aguero (84th), while Selangor’s goal was scored by Singaporean international Safuwan Baharuddin in the 77th minute.
Selangor lost 2-3 on aggregate, as the 33-time Malaysia Cup champions bow out of the prestigious competition and will play in the Challenge Cup with the other teams that lost in the round of 16.
Before the game against Pahang, they lost to Thai club Muangthong United 1-2 in the AFC Champions League Two.
Kinoshi was visibly frustrated after the Pahang game but did not pin the blame on the players, saying that they prepared well for both games.
“We worked on set pieces and our attacking shape, but we lost. We conceded goals against the run of play but I want to tell you, the next match we will be better,” said Kinoshi.
“We will take on Cebu in the AFC Champions League Two on Dec 5 and you will see a much better team.
“I understand the players better after these two matches. They have exceeded my expectations. My vision is to make Selangor consistent. I understand the characteristics of the players, whether fitness or tactics.
“We will have more difficult situations in the future, but we must react and fight. Now is a difficult time, so we need the support of the fans. I promise that we will react better after this.”
Meanwhile, Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad said it was a result he would cherish but knows the challenge in the quarter-final against Perak is even tougher.
“We had problems with training due to the weather. We trained at futsal courts and synthetic fields. But the boys showed hunger and determination against Selangor,” said the Singaporean legend.
“We didn’t play open play. We absorbed and went fast with our counters. We did well, and fought as one.”
