PETALING JAYA: Leave it to Kim Pan-gon to speak his mind.
The Selangor coach did not mince his words after the Red Giants were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Melaka in their Super League clash at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday.
At the final whistle, Pan-gon gathered his players and coaching staff for an impromptu huddle on the sidelines.
In an emotional address, he thumped the Selangor badge on his chest, reminding them what it means to represent the Klang Valley club.
“It was a very tough game and I am deeply disappointed with the result. If we want to deserve second position in this league, these are the kinds of games we simply must win,” said Pan-gon.
“To be honest, I feel Selangor are not at that level yet. We are not strong enough and we must work much harder.
“This is who we are right now. Sometimes we perform well and can score five goals, but other times, like today, it just doesn’t happen.
“Looking back at the entire season, we have been too inconsistent. If we want to become a better team, that is the specific area we must improve.”
“I cannot blame the players because they tried, but it is painful not to get the win. They have been fantastic over the last 10 games, but it just didn’t work this time.”
Selangor are chasing a runners-up finish to secure continental football for a third consecutive season, and Pan-gon believes the stalemate could serve as a timely lesson.
“This stage of the season is a lesson for our boys to become stronger. Life is full of hurdles and obstacles that we have to overcome.
“Every remaining game is now a final. The race for second position is not easy because teams like Kuala Lumpur and Kuching City want it just as badly as we do.
“We have to compete and prove that Selangor deserve to be there. We have to fight until the very end.”
Melaka coach E. Elavarasan, who was facing his former national team colleague for the first time, said every point mattered.
“We lost two very tough games recently, but our spirit and confidence were much better in this match,” he said.
“Whether it is one point or three, when you are playing a team like Selangor, who are currently second in the league, that point is vital.”
