Sweating it out: Harimau Malaya players warming up during a training session. — FAM
KUALA LUMPUR: Pau Marti Vicente believes many fans will stay away from the National Stadium tonight when the Harimau Malaya face unfancied Timor Leste in their second AFF Cup match, especially after the disappointing 2-2 draw with Cambodia in Phnom Penh on Sunday.
However, it is the penultimate Group A match against Singapore that matters more for the interim national coach.
He would like to see the fans fully behind the team in that key tie in Bukit Jalil on Dec 20.
But first, he knows that only a big win over Timor Leste is going to bring the supporters back.
“This is a tournament, not friendly. We want to go far. We missed the chance against Cambodia. I want a full crowd against Singapore. Hopefully, we can create a good atmosphere in Bukit Jalil,” said Vicente.
“That would be the best reward. We want to win and go far. We envied the Cambodians in the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium. Our motivation is to bring the fans back to the stadium.”
Timor Leste are the punching bags of the tournament and were pummelled 0-10 by Thailand in the first game, and many are expecting Malaysia to score lots of goals against the Crocodiles.
The Spaniard, though, said the team must think of a win first instead of the number of goals they are going to score.
“We cannot think of goals. We have to approach the game with high intensity and a good attitude. We need to think of a win first. The ranking is not the difference, it is how we play.
“Tournament games are always difficult. Every opponent prepares to make things difficult for us. We have to show our character and level. To play for Malaysia is never easy.”
Vicente confirmed that Kuala Lumpur fullback Declan Lambert and Selangor players – goalkeeper Kalamullah Al-Hafiz and centreback Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar – have joined the squad after completing their club commitments in the Super League.
“It is an unusual situation for the national team, the league is still on. It’s not normal to me, but we welcome these players. The preparation was short and there were no friendly games, it’s not ideal but our motivation remains high.”
Asked if he would change the line-up to ensure his key men are fresh for the crucial game against Thailand on Dec 14 in Bangkok, Vicente said he was only focused on Timor Leste now.
“We have 26 players on the list. We will use the players that we think can help us. All the boys have to be ready.
“We will see their physical condition and also think about the next game. But first, we need to get the job done against Timor Leste and then against Thailand.”
