KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur coach Risto Vidakovic cut a frustrated figure after his side’s 0-1 Super League defeat to Penang, blaming excessive stoppages and time wasting for robbing the match of rhythm and flow at the Cheras Football Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Bosnian felt the constant interruptions disrupted Kuala Lumpur’s tempo and diminished the spectacle, though he stopped short of using it as an excuse for the loss.
“We didn’t start the match well and maybe underestimated our opponents,” said Vidakovic.
“We were better in the second half, but the game had no continuity – too many stops, too many breaks.
“That kills rhythm and it’s not good for Malaysian football. People want to watch football, not players lying on the ground.”
Despite his criticism, Vidakovic accepted responsibility for the defeat and admitted his side failed to play to their usual standards.
“That’s no excuse. We didn’t play like we normally do. I knew this moment would come one day, when you don’t play well,” he added.
“It’s not our way to play long balls, especially at the end of the game. Against two tall centrebacks, it was difficult.”
Kuala Lumpur pressed hard after the break but struggled to break down a disciplined Penang defence.
Vidakovic also addressed the decisive goal from Zhafri Yahya that was disallowed by Video Assisted Referee (VAR), choosing not to dwell on refereeing decisions.
“It was a foul and the decision was correct. But their goal, one of their players was in front of our goalkeeper,” he said.
“I won’t criticise too much. We have to look at ourselves. It was an important game and we didn’t enter it well. We must respect every opponent. If we learn from this, it will be a good lesson.”
The decisive moment came in the 36th minute, when Nigerian defender Friday Obilor stunned the home crowd with a spectacular bicycle kick.
Penang then absorbed heavy pressure, collecting six yellow cards and seeing Adib Abd Ra’op sent off for time wasting in the 90th minute, but still held firm through stoppage time.
Penang coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail praised his players’ discipline and resilience after securing a third straight clean sheet.
“Kuala Lumpur have quality players, but my team stayed focused and fought together,” he said.
The win lifts Penang to seventh on 17 points, while Kuala Lumpur remain third with 29 points from 15 matches.
