Watch out: Selangor’s Safuwan Baharudin (centre) vying for the ball with Negri Sembilan’s Zahril Azri (right). — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Kim Pan-gon is confident that his team will continue to improve as he gains a deeper understanding of his players’ strengths.
“I know most of the players in this team, including the foreigners. I have been studying their characteristics and with every game I get more information, so I can strategise a little bit better,” said the South Korean after Selangor’s hard-fought Super League 1-0 victory against Negri Sembilan on Wednesday night.
Pan-gon, who came on board as Selangor’s coach two weeks ago, notched his second win after they thrashed Brunei 5-2 last Saturday.
Pan-gon felt Selangor executed their game plan well, particularly in the first half, where they controlled possession and created early chances.
“We started well and controlled the match. If we had scored earlier, the game could have opened up more,” he said. “In the end, we stayed disciplined, got the goal and deserved the win.”
Midfielder Nooa Laine sealed the victory in the 61st minute, finishing confidently from a corner delivered by Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
Sitting second in the league with 31 points from 15 matches, Selangor are taking steady steps towards that vision.
“We cannot afford to drop points, but we are building step by step. I can see the players starting to believe,” said Pan-gon.
He stressed the importance of building a lasting identity.
“I need to create a strong DNA for this club. We must be powerful, energetic and dynamic. Giants must be strong; without strength, they cannot move forward. Power comes not only from physical ability, but from mindset, fitness and intensity.”
Pan-gon also confirmed ongoing discussions with the club regarding squad planning.
“Some players have left, but we have a good squad. My job is to make them a better team.”
Negri Sembilan coach Nidzam Jamil attributed his team’s defeat partly to fatigue.
“Our previous match against JDT was very intense. The players ran over 12 kilometres each, and we couldn’t maintain that level. It’s something we must improve with more games coming, including the Malaysia Cup.”
