PETALING JAYA: The arrival of Kim Pan-gon has certainly brought about change in Selangor, and it is not just the results that have improved.
Selangor forward Chrigor Moraes, who scored the Red Giants’ sole goal in their 1-0 win in the Super League against Kuching City on Sunday, said drastic shift has taken place since the South Korean gaffer arrived last month, contributing to their unbeaten run since.
Moraes said Pan-gon frequently rotates players, gives confidence to those searching for more minutes on the pitch without picking favourites, and improves players' morale at the same time.
"We changed pretty much everything since the coach arrived," said the Brazilian.
"The way we play every game has changed, and the coach instills confidence in the players because he gives more minutes to those who need it.
"To me, that’s very important because it makes things tough to predict for our opponents because we aren’t repeating the same players."
The 25-year-old Moraes scored his 17th goal this season late in the 85th minute at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday, tying him for the Golden Boot with Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) Bergson da Silva.
It was a crucial win for Selangor, and Moraes knew it would boost their confidence before they meet Kuching again in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals next in April.
"It’s important for our confidence, but a Cup game is totally different. It’s elimination, so we need to get our mindset right to fight.
"It will be much more difficult, but we need to overcome them (Kuching) again to qualify for the final," he said.
Selangor have remained unbeaten in the past eight matches since Pan-gon arrived, and Moraes added that the fans have also contributed to the club’s strong performance, especially at home.
"It’s thanks to the coach and the fans. We haven’t lost in eight matches, and the fans filling the stadium make that better.
"We need the support. We have the fight in us until the end because of the fans’ support," he said.
The win also strengthened Selangor's grip in second place with 35 points as they are now four points clear of Kuching, who dropped to fourth place with 31 points.
