PETALING JAYA: National midfielder Brendan Gan (pic) is excited with the changes in the national team, but feels the word ‘revolution’ isn’t the best way to describe it.
Many fans have called the Harimau Malaya’s project overseen by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim as the new revolution following a few key hiring announced by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
They are Australian Peter Cklamovski as the new coach, Canadian Rob Friend as their first-ever chief executive officer (CEO) for the national team, and Dr Craig Duncan as the high-performance head.
And yesterday, the government announced that they would fund RM30mil to further strengthen the national team.
While looking forward to the positive changes, Brendan, who has won 37 caps with Malaysia, said the works of previous national coaches should not be undermined.
“If you say it is a revolution, then, that’s a bit disrespectful to what the previous coaching staff have done in the past years. I think the Malaysian team have excelled where they can,” said the 36-year-old Kuala Lumpur midfielder.
“I feel like it is very easy to forget all the good things we have done in the past because of one game that goes wrong.
“But it is going to be an exciting time for Malaysia. The new staff and the existing management have great vision for the team. I believe that it is important to have those key markers.
On Tunku Ismail’s announcement that Malaysia could have seven mixed heritage players, with most of them coming from Southern Europe, Brendan said it was a good development but wanted them to honour their commitment.
“They really have to love the badge, love the jersey they will be putting on. It is an honour to play for Malaysia, I believe that is the message that needs to be sent.”
