PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Kim Pan-gon has angrily dismissed rumours that a player in his squad has been leaking tactical information to rival teams.
Pan-gon cleared the air and stood behind his players ahead of the Red Giants’ FA Cup quarter-final first leg against Star City at the Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium in Kangar today.
The rumours began circulating on several Selangor fan pages, which alleged that a player had been leaking details of the team’s tactics via WhatsApp before every match, with claims that the club were considering disciplinary action.
Pan-gon rejected the allegations outright, insisting his players remain fiercely loyal to the cause.
“I do not agree with whoever started this kind of rumour. I feel that anyone who produces those kinds of rumours is an enemy,” he said.
“Internally, we are very united. Our players’ loyalty is unbelievably strong.
“So I don’t trust anyone who says negative things; I don’t trust them. We are very solid. My players are very professional and strong, and we have core team values.
“Many people have contributed and sacrificed for the team. We care very much about ethics and loyalty, and I believe our players have more than enough of both.”
Pan-gon added that even if rival teams were aware of Selangor’s tactics, it would make little difference given how openly the side plays.
“Even if opponent teams know our tactics, I don’t think it makes any difference,” he said.
“Our team’s tactics are already out in the open during the matches we played — everybody knows, and every team has already analysed how we play. I don’t think there is any ‘special’ information that could help them.
“So stop talking about negative things and don’t try to break our team spirit. If you want to support us, just stay positive and encourage us as that is good enough.
“Our team chemistry is very, very good right now — from foreign players to local players, player to coach, and coaches to support staff.
‘’We are all supporting each other, and we believe we can create new history this year. We are looking forward to focusing on our games, getting results, and encouraging one another. We are ready to fight for each other, so do not challenge our team spirit.”
Turning his attention to today’s opponents, Pan-gon warned that Star City led by former Selangor coach Mehmet Durakovic should not be underestimated.
“They (Star City) are a stronger side than we initially anticipated. They have built a very solid core around their foreign players, including a highly experienced striker and a playmaker who enjoyed great success in Vietnam (Pedro Henrique).
“With key figures like Moses (Atede) and Douglas (Oliveira), every area of their set-up poses a threat.”
“We show them full respect and will enter this match with humility and a proper, disciplined tactical approach.”
