Unwilling: Selangor are reluctant to release Aliff Izwan Yuslan (left) due to shortage of players.
PETALING JAYA: It is not a question of patriotism, but Selangor must also look after their own interests as the club are grappling with a lengthy injury list, with many players already showing signs of fatigue.
Selangor head coach Christophe Gamel admitted to feeling relieved after his side thrashed Penang 5-1 at City Stadium in George Town on Sunday, despite being without several injured players and releasing others for national duty at the Thailand SEA Games.
Gamel stressed that he is unwilling to risk losing any more players, particularly Aliff Izwan Yuslan, whom Selangor are reluctant to release for Malaysia’s Under-23 squad ahead of their final Group B match against Vietnam at the SEA Games on Thursday.
So far, they have released four players, including Mohd Haykal Danish Haizon, Moses Raj and Mohd Abu Khalil, to the national Under-23 squad, and they all played their part in Malaysia’s emphatic 4-1 win over Laos on Saturday.
Earlier, the Red Giants were already stretched thin with Kevin Deeromram sidelined by a hip injury, Alvin Fortes nursing a glute problem, Zikri Khalili out with a hamstring injury, Zach Clough ruled out by a groin issue, and Sharul Nazeem Zulfakar recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
And to add to their misery, Mamadou Diarra and Fazly Mazlan had been suspended.
“I’ve already released three or four players, who are crucial for the SEA Games team. My objective is still to help the national team, but I cannot stretch the squad any further because I simply do not have enough players,” said Gamel.
“You could see the options I had on the bench. I have done my utmost to help, but Selangor must come first as well.
“We have discussed this, and coach Nafuzi (Zain) is a good friend. I believe Selangor have done their part to support the national team, and we are happy that our players performed well, even scoring and giving their best.
“I told them that it is extremely important to represent the nation.”
Nevertheless, Gamel said he still needs to discuss Aliff’s status with Selangor’s top management before deciding whether the player will be released to join the squad in Bangkok or retained by the club.
Commenting on the clash against Penang, he admitted it was a challenging match, with play halted twice due to floodlight problems.
He lauded his players for their unwavering focus, especially Chrigor Moraes, who netted a hattrick, while Selangor’s other goals came from captain Faisal Halim and midfielder Picha Autra.
Penang’s lone consolation goal was scored by Tchetche Kipre.
“It’s a good result and we scored many goals, but I’m still frustrated with the type of goals we conceded.
“Honestly, sometimes it’s just one small detail that costs us. We are still young in this process, and for me, our team lacks maturity, which is the most important factor at a high level,” he added.
