PETALING JAYA: Brunei’s hopes of knocking Kuala Lumpur out of the FA Cup in their own den will rest heavily on their midfield, and on one man in particular – Felipe Aspegren (pic).
The Finnish international is expected to shoulder the box-to-box duties when Brunei visit Kuala Lumpur in the quarter-final second leg at the Cheras Football Stadium tomorrow.
With creative supply needed in abundance for the attackers, coach Jamie McAllister will want his 32-year-old midfielder at his best to take the side into the semi-finals.
Aspegren’s mindset suggests he is ready for the challenge.
“You just have to adapt. In football, things don’t always go according to plan, and there’s no point spending too much energy on things you can’t control.
“For me, it’s quite simple – wherever we play, we prepare properly, stay focused and try to win the game,” he said.
“The midfield has been competitive and physical in the Malaysian League, which I enjoy. So we know it’s going to be a tough game.
“But these are also the games you want to play. The coach wants us to be disciplined and work together, but also to be confident and brave when we have the ball.”
Aspegren is likely to be partnered with captain Azwan Ali Rahman, the more creative of the two.
Together, they will face a Kuala Lumpur midfield that includes Giancarlo Gallifuoco, Syafiq Jamaluddin and Syafiq Ahmad, setting up an intriguing duel in the middle of the park.
Aspegren has played four Super League matches and three FA Cup games since arriving in Malaysia, and he says he is enjoying life with Brunei.
“It’s been really good so far. I’ve settled in well, and I’m enjoying being here. I feel like I’m getting more comfortable with the team and the league every week.
“Of course, we still have things to improve, but I think we’re moving in the right direction.
“I want us to have a strong season and compete as high as possible.
“For me personally, I want to help the team with my experience, perform consistently and contribute in every way I can.
“We have a good group here, and I think there’s a lot of potential in this team.”
