PETALING JAYA: A lack in high-intensity training was the reason behind Kelantan’s humiliating 9-0 thrashing by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Thursday.
Following the massacre, Kelantan are in the bottom of the Super League standings with just seven points.
With two matches remaining against Negri Sembilan (April 13) and Kuala Lumpur (April 20), it’s unlikely that the Red Warriors will move up the ladder.
Super League champions JDT had a field day at home, with five goals coming from Bergson Da Silva (8th, 20th, 25th, 27th, and 37th minutes), two from Romel Morales (54th and 57th), and a goal each for Shahrul Saad (62nd) and Safiq Rahim (84th).
Kelantan’s assistant coach Rezal Zambery Yahya admitted that they lacked solid training for almost three months but wanted the team to pull through to the end.
The club have been facing financial issues since early this year. And they hardly had training sessions – in fact – they only had one session before the match against JDT.
“We know that it’s been almost three months since the team had a proper training session together,” said Rezal.
“We only managed one session before the match with JDT but I am grateful that the players showed commitment and the will to fight during tough times.
“I’m disappointed but we have to accept reality. This is the result of a lack of training and preparation.
“Training on your own can’t match the intensity of an actual match. Without that and team harmony, it’s tough.”
Rezal, however, still has faith in his players.
“I hope the players continue to play and finish the remaining two matches with a positive show. The issues in the team are due to administrative weaknesses which have failed to resolve the problem.”
