Aiman Nazirmuddin
Football Tribe Malaysia
“Football is indeed a risk!”
Kedah coach Aidil Sharin Sahak’s reaction was that he had no choice but to “gamble” with inexperienced players to fill the vacancy left by defender Renan Alves to face Perak in the FA Cup finals tomorrow night.
Alves had to be suspended for receiving a red card in the last match of the Super League season against FELDA United at the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium, Jengka, on July 21.
In accordance with Article 40 (2) (a) of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Disciplinary Code which relates to ‘Bringing Forward Suspension’, the suspension in the final match of a particular competition will be brought to the next official match.
Coach Aidil agreed that the losing Renan Alves because of red card is a blow for the team, but he believes it will not damage his side’s chances in the hunt for the prestigious trophy.
“Anyone who is going to be trusted will surely be responsible. But for now, we have no choice yet and have to evaluate everything after the last training session.”
“After all, we’ve tried many new combinations in training this week but for me, we are not just thinking about defense but [about the team] overall to get a solid squad for the final.
“I believe in the ability of all players and they need to give the best because not all players get the chance to play in the final,” he told a press conference at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The absence of Alves means that coach Aidil has only two central defenders that could line up alongside Shakir Hamzah. His options are Syawal Nordin and Loqman Hakim
Meanwhile, for Perak, the absence of Renan Alves will not be a ticket to end their 15-year wait to lift the FA Cup at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium tomorrow night.
Perak head coach Mehmet Durakovic believes the Kedah’s defense is not fragile despite losing Brazilian star.
“It’s sad because as a coach (Aidil Sharin Sahak), you always want to have your best player in the final, but I believe there are still other players who can do the job.
“For me, it’s not an advantage. The players who will be brought in by Kedah will do the job well,” he said when met at a press conference earlier this week.