New challenge: E. Elavarasan (in red) was coaching Kelantan before joining Melaka.
PETALING JAYA: Melaka wasted little time in appointing a new tactician.
The Mousedeer have hired E. Elavarasan as their new coach to replace Datuk K. Devan, with former Sarawak winger Muamer Salibasic joining him as assistant.
After the sudden departures of Devan and his assistant S. Subramaniam, Melaka acted swiftly in their search for a coach, and Elavarasan’s appointment reflects their commitment to steady the ship.
“The management has shared their vision with us, and we understand the challenges,” said Elavarasan.
“The president (Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad) is aware of the challenges faced by the club, but he is going to improve them.
“I am glad to bring Muamer with me because we have worked together since my days in Sarawak.
“He is one coach who can improve the players that we already have in the team.
“I have strong belief in him and we will do our best to steer this club to a better place in the league.”
Before joining Melaka, Elavarasan was with Kelantan but left the team in October.
He took over Kelantan in June and was tasked with improving the fortunes of the team, who finished bottom in the league last season.
The Red Warriors were seventh in the league with eight points after seven matches when he left.
Elavarasan had previously guided several teams to gain promotion into the Super League. They included Public Bank in 2003, Melaka (2008), Felda United (2010) and Police (2019).
He then led Sarawak United to the Super League in 2021, before moving on to the national team to assist then-coach Kim Pan-gon from 2022 to 2024.
Melaka are clearly in need of an experienced hand, sitting 12th in the Super League with just six points from 12 matches.
