Malaysia

Malaysia head coach: My biggest concern with the national team is finding a striker

Having coached the Malaysia national team for over a month, Nelo Vingada believes he feels much more confident leading his squad.

“I have a clearer vision now about the team, with the support of our staff. Our current mission is to find the right solution and correct what didn’t go too well against Lebanon,” the head coach told reporters during a press conference, as quoted by the Fourth Official.

On the other hand, the Portuguese coach thinks that finding a qualified striker is his biggest concern with the national team at the moment. “Most teams in Malaysia employ a foreign striker, so it’s difficult for me to find a local one,” he said.

“In other positions, we can find solutions, but the striker position is tricky. We’re also looking at the possibility of getting foreign players who are eligible for Malaysian passports.”

Vingada’s first match ended in a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Lebanon in the third round of 2019 AFC Asian Cup game on 13 June.

The Malaysians will play 2 friendlies against Macau on 25 August and Myanmar four days laters ahead of their qualifying match at home to Hong Kong on 5 Sep.