PETALING JAYA: Police coach Eddy Gapil admits there is little he can do to stop players from seeking better opportunities elsewhere, but hopes the tide will eventually turn for the Cops as they continue to battle financial woes off the pitch.
Police were thrashed 10-1 by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the last 16, first-leg match of the Malaysia Cup on Sunday and face another daunting task in today’s return match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Their problems have been compounded by a steady exodus of players, with Ivorian imports Henry Doumbia and Noel Agbre leaving for Bhayangkara and Melaka respectively, and Jordanian midfielder Ahmed Israiwah was recently snapped up by Kuching City.
“I try my best to understand the players’ situations right now, it’s not easy,” said Eddy.
“But it’s the players’ decision to leave, and it’s about their future, and I can’t stop them from leaving to find better situations for themselves.
“It’s tough but we have to make adjustments.
“What’s important is that the players who are here are sticking together. That matters a lot to me.”
Realistic about the odds against JDT, Eddy said his side can only aim to end their Malaysia Cup campaign with some dignity after a demoralising first-leg defeat.
“I have to admit, the first-leg match was very disappointing. But whether we like it or not, we have to be realistic about the situation that we are in.
“We will give it our best effort for the match.
“We just hope if it’s a defeat, it’s not a big one again. We want to avoid that and that’s all we can do for now,” he said.
Police are also struggling in the Super League as they currently sit at the bottom with just one win so far this season, and the absence of players is even more obvious as they have lost their past 11 matches in all competitions.
