PETALING JAYA: Buoyed by a landmark win last week, Selangor coach Kim Pan-gon is all smiles and confident ahead of the crunch FA Cup semi-final first leg against Kuching City at the Petaling Jaya Stadium today.
The Red Giants are aiming to build a healthy advantage at home before the return leg in Kuching on Nov 8.
The South Korean said the confidence from their 3-1 Super League win over Penang last week had given the squad a lift, and they intend to carry it into the match.
“After the game against Penang, we focused on recovery and three days before the game, we assessed the tactics we should play and I believe we have processed everything well,” he said.
“We are also ensuring that players who are not fully fit or injured are recovering well,” said Pan-gon, who did not reveal who is on the injury list.
The win over Penang carried extra significance as it was Selangor’s 2,000th match since the club’s founding in 1921.
“I can see the boys were happy. It was a good present for the fans and it gave us full confidence.
“Now we want to fulfil our mission of getting to the FA Cup final.”
Pan-gon, however, is wary of the threat posed by Kuching, who are among the strongest sides in the league, particularly in their foreign department.
“Kuching have one of the best squads in the Malaysian League, especially their foreigners. Individually, their characteristics are good.
“We look to solve the problem by finding ways to attack them and to play as a team and not resort to doing everything individually.”
Pan-gon also called on supporters to turn up in numbers to give the team a lift.
“I hope the fans will fill up the stadium. We want to give a good performance, the best result and show our opponents how united Selangor are.”
