CKLAMOVSKI DENIES DISRESPECTING FAM, APOLOGISES OVER MISUNDERSTOOD REMARKS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- National head coach Peter Cklamovski says he did not intend to disrespect the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) following criticism over recent remarks that sparked discontent among fans and former players.

The Australian coach said his comments were based on FAM’s own public statement and might have been misinterpreted.

However, Cklamovski apologised to anyone who may have been offended.

“I didn't mean any disrespect to FAM at all. In fact, I didn't say anything different than what they've said themselves. They released a press statement last week. I'm going off that. I don't know anything else other than that.

“If people feel I've disrespected FAM, I apologise but it wasn't my intention and I definitely didn't say anything new,” he told a pre-match press conference ahead of Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier Group F match against Laos at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

Cklamovski recently drew attention over his comments about the International Football Federation (FIFA) and FAM fiasco involving the registration of seven national heritage players.

His remarks, made after Malaysia’s match against Laos in Vientiane last Thursday, were seen by some as implying that FAM was responsible for the situation, sparking unease among supporters and former players.

Despite the controversy, Cklamovski said his focus remains on preparing Harimau Malaya to perform at their best, not on administrative matters.

“We don't even think about it. We think about our job as a national team to train hard, play well and get the wins. That's what I can control,” said the 47-year-old coach, while reiterating that the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has been key to the national team’s progress.

When asked how difficult it was to build a team without the seven heritage players suspended by FIFA, he said the national squad must always maintain a collective mentality regardless of personnel changes.

“We don't rely on one player. That's our focus, and I'll continue to say that because that's the way we train. That's the way we believe in ourselves. Whoever's on the pitch, 11 players will do their job and know how to do our job, and whoever comes onto the pitch will do the same,” he said.

Last month, FAM and seven heritage players namely Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel were sanctioned by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee after being found to have breached Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) related to document falsification.

In a statement, FIFA said FAM had submitted falsified documents to confirm the players’ eligibility, which allowed them to feature in the third-round 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier match against Vietnam on June 10.

Meanwhile, commenting on tomorrow night’s match, Cklamovski said his team’s focus remains on maintaining their fine momentum after defeating the same opponent 3-0 last week.

“We've prepared well and we've got another day of training to get right. The process continues and we look forward to executing another team performance, working hard to get another victory and working hard again to make the nation proud,” he said.

After three matches, Malaysia currently lead Group F with nine points, followed by Vietnam in second place with six points, Laos in third with three, and Nepal at the bottom without a point.

-- BERNAMA