CKLAMOVSKI'S OPEN-DOOR POLICY GOOD BUT PROPER PLAYER SELECTION DECISIVE - EXPERT

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- New Malaysian football head coach Peter Cklamovski's open-door policy of giving every player the same opportunity is a reflection of the Australian's progressive vision, said local football expert and analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Nizam Nazarudin.

However, the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Faculty of Sports and Recreation senior lecturer was quick to admit that, for the bigger challenges like the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the selection of players must be carried out thoroughly.

Mohamad Nizam, who was the Sabah FC head of sports science and performance analyst from 2021 to 2023, feels that only players with comprehensive capabilities and able to meet the demands of playing at the highest level ought to be prioritised for the Harimau Malaya squad.

"Firstly, they must possess the technical ability. Players must have exquisite ball control, give accurate passes and clinical finishing. Successful teams, in general, capitalise on this technical ability to create chances and finish them off consistently.

"Speed and physical endurance are also vital elements in modern football, which demands high intensity. Tactical acumen is another key factor. Players must be smart at reading the game, understand the opponents’ formation and make the right calls under pressure for their team to have a strategic advantage (during games),” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Mohamad Nizam reiterated that one of the biggest challenges awaiting Cklamovski is instilling a winning mentality in the players.

"The players must have good mental strength and a high level of confidence to face any kind of pressure when playing against stronger teams. Without mental strength, they won't be able to make full use of their technical and physical abilities.

"Finally, adaptability is crucial. Versatile players can adapt to any type of formation or strategy, thus giving the coach flexibility in drawing up his game plan,” he said.

Yesterday, Cklamovski, who officially commenced his role this week, said he is practising an open-door policy, welcoming all players, whether local or of heritage descent, to don the national jersey.

Meanwhile, former Harimau Malaya team manager Datuk Kamarul Ariffin Mohd Shahar feels that Cklamovski's open-door policy in evaluating all players is key to creating a solid and competitive squad.

He believes that the former FC Tokyo manager's ability to pick the best players based on his playing philosophy and strategy could prove decisive in whether or not the Harimau Malaya squad can achieve success.

"Hopefully, he can form a solid team to qualify on merit again for the Asian Cup Finals and, like every other new coach who comes here, must be open to assessing every player so that he can mould them according to his playing style and philosophy.

"I also agree with Peter (Cklamovski) if he came to Malaysia because of the vision and mission of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim because the vision and mission expressed by His Royal Highness can lead to the formation of a solid Harimau Malaya squad that can qualify for the Asian Cup Finals again,” he said.

The appointment of Cklamovski is aligned with the mission of ensuring Malaysia can get past the 2027 Asian Cup Group F Qualifiers, thus achieving the target of making the cut for Asia's prestigious tournament and ensuring the Harimau Malaya are ranked among the top 100 teams in the world.

For the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers from March 25-31 next year, Malaysia have been drawn in Group F with Vietnam, Nepal and Laos.

Only the group winners will secure a spot in Asia’s premier football tournament, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia from Jan 7 to Feb 5, 2027.

 -- BERNAMA