PETALING JAYA: The Asian Cup dream is over, but the roar of Harimau Malaya will not be silenced.
National head coach Peter Cklamovski is already planning ahead, even as his future remains uncertain with his contract set to expire at the end of the year.
The Australian is determined to restore Malaysian pride by leading the team to success in two upcoming key tournaments – the AFF Hyundai Cup in July and the Asean Cup in September.
Cklamovski acknowledged the challenges of the competitions, particularly those held outside the FIFA international window.
“The AFF tournament is an exciting and historic competition, but it’s always difficult outside a FIFA window,” he said.
“Clubs may not release players, and it can disrupt pre-season or even the start of domestic leagues. We’ll assess what will work best.
“What’s exciting is that future Asean Cup competitions will be held in FIFA windows, which is important. That’s a tournament we want to compete in and ultimately aim to win.”
Cklamovski said he remains committed despite the painful Asian Cup setback.
“It was devastating and frustrating. Qualification was taken away from us because of something beyond our control,” said Cklamovski.
“But we will use that emotion to build this team.
“We have a challenge to make this the best team we’ve had and to channel that energy into playing our best football.”
Last week, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled that Malaysia had fielded ineligible players in their wins against Nepal (2-0) and Vietnam (4-0) last year.
Both results have since been overturned and recorded as 3-0 defeats.
Cklamovski’s immediate goal is to guide Malaysia to victory over Vietnam in their final Group F match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers at the Nam Dinh Stadium on March 31.
He hopes a strong showing will help restore belief in the national team.
“I’ve loved every second of this job. When you look at the work we’ve done and what we can control, it’s been solid – results, performances and progress in our football,” said Cklamovski
“There will always be speculation about the head coach’s position. I’m used to that.
“Yes, the things outside our control are frustrating. My job is to guide the team through that.
“This will be an emotionally challenging outing (against Vietnam), but also an opportunity for us to grow.
“We have a chance to do something special as it’s been a long time since Malaysia beat Vietnam away. That’s an opportunity to make a statement.”
