Plenty on Malaysia’s mind

The 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup kicks off on Saturday with co-hosts Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Laos in action in Group A in Hanoi, followed by Group B on Sunday, with Myanmar taking on Malaysia and Thailand meeting co-hosts Singapore. TODAY takes a look at Singapore’s Group B rivals, starting with Malaysia, who aim to become South-east Asia’s footballing kingpins again after winning the tournament in 2010.

SINGAPORE — It seems the National Stadium pitch is not the only surface causing concern ahead of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, with Malaysia national coach Dollah Salleh expressing concerns about the Jalan Besar Stadium’s artificial turf.

Malaysia’s first two Group B matches in the tournament are at the stadium — against Myanmar this Sunday and Thailand on Nov 26, before they face co-hosts Singapore at the National Stadium on Nov 29.

The 2010 winners’ preparations have not been ideal, having lost their final two warm-up matches against Syria (3-0) last Wednesday and 4-1 to Vietnam on Sunday in Hanoi.

And having to play two of their three group games on the Jalan Besar pitch — even though many of them have played on it for their clubs in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) and their country — is adding to the consternation within the Malaysian camp, said Dollah.

“When I was coaching Pahang in the MSL, I knew what it was like to play at the Jalan Besar Stadium. (But my) players complain they were not comfortable (with it),” said Dollah.

The AFF had agreed to move all Group B matches not involving Singapore to the Jalan Besar Stadium to allow the National Stadium pitch more time to recover in between matches.

The 55,000-seater arena’s surface, a combination of natural and synthetic turf, had been heavily criticised for being too sandy, with many sections cut up during last month’s friendly between Japan and Brazil.

To help negate the effects of the pitch, Malaysia have trained at the Kluang Municipal Stadium’s artificial pitch for the past week.

“I am quite familiar with the Jalan Besar Stadium pitch. It’s harder and the ball bounces higher too,” Dollah said. “But we have to adapt ... We need to get a similar surface to the one at the Jalan Besar Stadium to train on, at least to be psychologically ready. We are not going to enjoy playing our football on an artificial pitch.”

Dollah is also hoping fatigue will not hamper Malaysia’s chances. Of particular concern to him is the mental and physical state of 10 of his players, including Johor Darul Takzim’s Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Safiq Rahim, and Pahang goalkeeper Khairul Azhan.

Their teams have just completed a gruelling 10-month season culminating in the Malaysia Cup final on Nov 1, where Pahang beat Johor Darul Takzim 5-3 on penalties.

“Coming off from a Cup final means you want to celebrate or get over the loss, depending on which team you come from. I know it’s tough for the players from Pahang and Johor Darul Takzim to concentrate on the training right now,” he said.

“To push them would have it’s consequences. But not to push means some of my tactical plans cannot be carried out. It’s a battle against time.”

MALAYSIA

Nickname: Harimau Malaya

Coach: Dollah Salleh

FIFA world ranking: 156

AFF Suzuki Cup record: Winner (2010)

Matches: Group B — Myanmar (Nov 23), Thailand (Nov 26), Singapore (Nov 29)

SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Farizal Marlias, Khairul Fahmi, Khairulazhan Khalid

Defenders: Afif Amiruddin, Mahali Jasuli, Azmi Muslim, Zubir Azmi, Muslim Ahmad, Fadhli Shas

Midfielders: Shafiq Rahim, Azamuddin Akil, Shukor Adnan, Hafiz Kamal, Badri Radzi, S Kunanlan, Badrol Bakhtiar, Gary Robbat, Indra Putra Mahayuddin

Forwards: Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Safee Sali, Amri Yahyah, Abdul Manaf

Visit www.affsuzukicup.com/2014 for ticketing details. The 10 per cent early bird discount period ends today.