Football / Malaysia Cup: Maniam's bright start

A Selangor player (right) and a Police player tussle for the ball in their match in Paroi on Saturday.

P. MANIAM got off to a winning start as Selangor head coach when his side thrashed Police 4-1 in a Malaysia Cup Group D match in Paroi on Saturday.The 43-year-old made tactical changes and also moved some players to unfamiliar positions which paid off as Selangor earned a timely win ahead of their crucial match against Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

Saturday's win was Selangor's second biggest victory this season, courtesy of goals from captain Amri Yahyah, Safiq Rahim, Amirulhadi Zainal and Rudie Ramli.

Selangor's new-found confidence is bad news for KL as victory tomorrow for the 32-time Malaysia Cup winners will see them take second spot behind T-Team in the group and a place in the quarter-finals.
"We won this match but it does not make us champions. I am happy to get a winning start ... it is good for the entire team as the players needed something special to boost their confidence," said Maniam yesterday.

"I experimented a lot in training and the changes paid off yesterday (Saturday). We played an attacking game to get the goals.

"However, we still have a lot to improve on. I am here to give my best and I hope the team will move forward."

Nazri Ahmad earned his first start for Selangor by filling in for injured centreback Nasriq Baharom and was part of a five-man midfield led by Safiq and Azidan Sarudin with Fadzli Saari playing along the flanks for the first time.

Maniam, who was appointed Selangor coach following K. Devan's resignation last week, however, played Amri as the sole striker.

On tomorrow's derby, Maniam said the impressive win over Police put his team in good shape for the home clash.

"We cannot sit back as we must win. KL will be tough as they are on a good run but it does not make them favourites. It is a do-or-die mission for us as anything less than a win will see us out of the quarter-finals," said the coach.

Maniam also hopes the fans will throw their support behind the team tomorrow.

"My players are eager to beat KL but to help them do that, the fans must also turn up and lend their support." he added.

Fadzli, who impressed against Police, may not play as he has picked up an injury but Nasriq and midfielder Hardi Jaafar could make the starting XI if they pass late fitness tests.


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