PETALING JAYA: Former national football team coach Datuk K. Rajagopal hopes the Harimau Malaya will keep their focus away from external distractions.
Malaysia will face Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers today at the New Laos National Stadium, followed by the return leg on Oct 14 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Amid player suspension and fine issues between FIFA and the Football Association of Malaysia, Rajagopal, who did not delve deep into the matter, said the current boys in the squad need good support.
“We just want a positive outcome from these two games against Laos. We just need to focus on what’s in front and not let off-field matters impact us,” he said.
Rajagopal, who was at the helm of the team from 2009 to 2013, said Malaysia, ranked 123rd in the world, should not look down on Laos, who are ranked 185th.
“First of all, we have to respect any team that we are playing,” said the 69-year-old.
“Laos may be lower ranked than us but in football, respect is a must. We should be confident based on the international momentum we are in, we have the strength to get positive results and I’m sure the coaches will use the players they have for the game against Laos effectively.”
As for the inclusion of new players like Kuching City’s attacking duo, Ramadhan Saifullah and Jordan Mintah, Rajagopal said the coach would have certainly evaluated both players based on their performance before the game against Laos.
“The coaching team would have evaluated the players they brought, like Ramadhan, who is looking to earn his first international cap,” he said.
Rajagopal added that Laos have improved over the years compared to his days as the head coach.
The Laos side, coached by South Korean Ha-Hyeok-jun and captained by mercurial striker Bounphachan Bounkong, have several new mixed heritage players in defender Victor Ngovinassack and midfielders Roman Angot and Theo Klein.
“Compared to my time, I am sure Laos would have changed. I have watched them play in AFF tournaments and they have new players. Not to forget, they have mixed heritage players as well. So there is improvement.
“But Malaysia have the depth and experience to get the result,” said Rajagopal.
