Touch me not: JDT’s Alberto Diaz Martin (left) fights for the ball with Selangor’s Laine Nooa (right) during Malaysian Super League match at Petaling Jaya Stadium. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Christophe Gamel believes he has given his all during his stint as Selangor’s interim head coach.
Gamel said he would leave his future with the management after his club's 0-2 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in their Super League clash at Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday night.
Christophe Gamel
"It is the management’s decision," said the Frenchman.
"Interim is interim, you have to accept it. If they sign me to a real contract, it’s different. But we have to be fair: when they say it starts, it starts, and when they say it stops, it stops.
"If I am replaced, I don’t feel it is fair, but it’s not a big story. They want people with a ‘bigger name’."
Former national team head coach Kim Pan-gon is widely expected to take over the reins at Selangor. He is likely to be accompanied by an assistant coach and an analyst.
Although Pan=gon's arrival date has yet to be confirmed, sources indicate the Korean could be in charge as early as this week, potentially taking the helm for Selangor’s Super League fixture against Brunei at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan on Jan 10.
Despite the uncertainty, Gamel expressed pride in the progress made under his leadership.
"I am very proud of what we have achieved because I changed the face of the team," he said.
"We developed a very offensive-minded 4-3-3 style of football, and I think that suits the Selangor mentality.
"But best of luck to the next one. I think you always have to leave a position with class.
"I'm an old lion and I've thick skin. When I am on a mission, I am on a mission."
It is understood that Gamel will return to his role as Selangor II head coach in the A1 Semi-Pro League and will also take on additional responsibilities in youth development for the club.
