PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s head coach Pau Marti Vicente (pic) dropped a bombshell by announcing that he will be leaving after leading the team for one last time at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship from Dec 8-Jan 5.
His decision comes just a day after Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin said he would not be contesting the post as the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president at next year’s election.
It looks like a sweeping change is set to take place in Malaysian football.
Yesterday, the Spaniard confirmed that the AFF meet will be his final assignment with the national team after a discussion with the FAM as part of their plans to restructure the national team.
“I would like to announce that the AFF Championship will be my final task as caretaker coach of Harimau Malaya,” said Vicente in a media statement.
“This decision follows communication with FAM regarding the restructuring of the national team’s management. As part of this process, a new Harimau Malaya head coach and coaching staff will be appointed for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
“My coaching staff and I will conclude our tenure with the squad at the end of the AFF campaign.”
In his first assignment with the national team, Vicente led Malaysia to victory in the Merdeka Tournament in September.
Malaysia beat Philippines 2-1 and Lebanon 1-0 to claim the first title since their 2010 AFF Cup triumph.
Vicente reflected on his time in Malaysia, describing it as an unforgettable experience.
“It would have been a pleasure to continue this journey together as we’ve had an amazing three years in Malaysia filled with unforgettable memories.
Although it will not be possible, our national team will continue to play with pride during the AFF Championship,” said Vicente, who was assisting Kim Pang-gon before the South Korean coach parted ways with the national team in July this year.
He urged players, particularly the younger ones, to savour the experience during the tournament.
“I want the players, especially the young prospects, to enjoy this tournament and the incredible atmosphere at Bukit Jalil with our fans.
“Their support will be our greatest reward. I guarantee the fans will enjoy watching the team in this final tournament. Let us come together and give our all for this team.”
Malaysia will play Cambodia in their opening AFF Championship Group A campaign in Phnom Penh on Sunday. The others in the group are Thailand, Singapore, and Timor Leste.
Indonesia, Laos, Myanmmar, the Philippines and Vietnam make up Group B.
