Tough battle: Zach Clough (left) vying for the ball with Asia Warriors’ Victor Igbonefo during a friendly match. — Selangor FC
PETALING JAYA: With just over a week to go before Selangor take on Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Charity Shield, new signing Zach Clough knows the Red Giants still have work to do – but he’s embracing the challenge.
The former Nottingham Forest and Bolton Wanderers playmaker, who recently joined from Adelaide United, is quickly adapting to Malaysian football and believes Selangor is the perfect fit at this stage of his career.
“Selangor stood out among the offers I had. They want to succeed, they want to do well in Asia,” said Clough, 30.
The Englishman is already analysing where the team must improve, especially after a tough pre-season outing against Asia Warriors.
“It was hard to break them down. We moved the ball well but a bit too slowly. That’s something we can work on before facing JDT,” he said.
Clough is focused on sharpening Selangor’s attacking play and building chemistry under coach Katsuhito Kinoshi.
“We need to be more composed in the box and make smarter decisions. I’m here to contribute – score, create, and give everything for this club.”
Facing defending champions JDT in the season opener is no easy task, but Clough sees it as a golden opportunity.
“They’re a massive club and have raised the standard of Malaysian football. It’s a chance to test ourselves against the best.”
