PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Kim Pan-gon has urged his players to stay grounded and avoid complacency despite facing a struggling Kelantan in their Super League clash at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru today.
With Kelantan enduring a poor run of form, many expect the Red Giants to cruise to three points.
However, Pan-gon has cautioned that playing away presents its own challenges and demands full focus from his squad.
“Playing away is always challenging, and we must respect the opponent,” said the South Korean.
“We have to stay focused and committed to our game plan throughout the match.
“With the support from our fans, even away from home, we will stay together and fight for the best result.”
Selangor are also under pressure to keep pace in the race for second place, which offers qualification to the AFC Champions League Two for a third straight season. The battle is tight, with Kuching City currently second on 43 points from 20 matches.
Selangor have the same number of points but have played one game more and sit third on goal difference. Kuala Lumpur are close behind in fourth with 42 points from 21 games.
The Red Giants’ next three fixtures - against Kelantan, Penang (May 2 at the Petaling Jaya Stadium) and Police (May 15 at the Selayang Stadium) - are seen as decisive in their push for a top-two finish.
Selangor will be aiming to secure maximum points while hoping their closest rivals slip up in the remaining games.
A victory today would also provide a timely lift following their Malaysia Cup semi-final exit, where they fell 2-1 on aggregate to Kuching City.
Kelantan, meanwhile, are languishing in 11th place with 15 points from 21 matches and have struggled for consistency.
They are winless in their last seven matches in all competitions, with their last victory on Feb 16 - a 2-1 win over Immigration in the Challenge Cup quarter-final second leg.
Off the pitch, the club are also believed to be dealing with financial issues, with reports suggesting players and coaching staff are owed up to three months’ salaries.
