Setback again: Keron Ornchaiyaphum (right) from Immigration tries to stop Melaka‘s Che Rashid Che Halim during their game. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The days of K. Devan as Melaka’s coach may be numbered following the club’s prolonged barren run in the Super League.
The Mousedeer slumped to their seventh league defeat of the season after a 0-2 loss to Immigration at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals from Venezuelan midfielder Eduardo Sosa in the 24th minute and Brazilian striker Joao Pedro six minutes later proved decisive.
The team are currently 12th in the standings with just six points from 11 matches.
Veteran coach Devan said the decision rests entirely with the club’s management.
“I will leave it to the management to decide what is best for the team. I have done my best,” said Devan.
“When a team do not win, the burden always falls on the coach, but you have to look deeper and understand the reasons why we are not winning games.”
Devan has one more match to determine his fate, and it will be no easy task as Melaka face Selangor at the Petaling Jaya Stadium tomorrow.
“With the players we have, we must continue to compete. I will prepare the team for the game against Selangor,” he said.
Devan hopes the team will do better than they did against Immigration.
“We always concede early goals and that puts us under pressure. Our attack was also not good in the first half,” he said.
“They had their full quota of imports, while we only had four.”
Devan hoped they could strengthen their squad during the second transfer window, which opens on Jan 2.
“We need quality players in certain positions to compete not only with the top teams, but challenge mid-table and bottom clubs.
“The desire and fighting spirit are there, but inexperienced players cost us points.
“If we can improve in these areas, we can compete.”
