PETALING JAYA: Immigration’s hopes of finishing in the Super League top four are over, and the club are now focused on securing a mid-table finish by the end of the season.
However, coach Yusri Che Lah is feeling the absence of star midfielder Eduardo Sosa (pic), who missed Sunday’s 4-0 defeat to Selangor and will also be unavailable for Saturday’s clash against Sabah at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.
Yusri was candid about the team’s objectives for the remainder of the campaign. Immigration are currently ninth in the league with 18 points from 17 matches, three points ahead of 10th-placed Sabah.
“Our challenge for the top four is over. Now we are competing to secure a mid-table position,” said Yusri.
“One of the teams we will face next is Sabah, and I need to study their current strength. They are not exactly a young team – they have experienced players in their squad.
“I don’t want us to be the team that allow them to experiment their way to victory. I expect my players to ensure we remain in the mid-table group. The gap between teams is small – we are only a point behind Negri Sembilan and Penang in the race for a top-six finish.
“We need to take advantage of the current situation and maintain our position in the middle of the standings.”
Yusri also expressed concern over the potential absence of striker Babacar Gueye in the upcoming match.
“I truly hope the players can step up because it is very likely that I will lose Babacar for the next match. The absence of certain players is clearly felt,” he said.
“Frequent loss of possession allowed Selangor to launch quick attacks. I have to admit the absence of key players like Sosa had a major impact.
“While we have other capable players, no one has been able to replicate his role in an actual match situation.
“For the trip to Sabah, our task will be even tougher. We need to strengthen the midfield, which currently includes Halim Saari, who is not yet fully fit, Zulfahmi Arifin, Fadzrul Danel Mohd Nizam and Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat. I am also hoping Rafael Holstein can return to the squad.”
