KIM PAN-GON URGES SELANGOR TO TREAT REMAINING MATCHES AS FINALS IN SECOND-PLACE PURSUIT

MELAKA, March 1 (Bernama) -- Selangor FC head coach Kim Pan-gon reminded his players to treat every remaining match like a final as they continue their fight to secure second place in the league standings following a 0-0 draw against Melaka FC in a Super League match at the Stadium Hang Jebat here last night.

He expressed disappointment after his team failed to secure a crucial victory, describing the result as a setback in their pursuit of a second-place finish.

“We started well but we are very disappointed with the result. If you want to catch up to second position, this kind of game you must win. We are not at that level yet. We were not strong enough and we must become stronger and work harder,” he told reporters after the match.

Both teams had opportunities to score the winning goal but were unable to convert their chances, resulting in the match ending in a stalemate when the final whistle was blown.

Responding to a question on his team’s finishing despite creating numerous chances, the South Korean tactician admitted inconsistency in front of goal remains an area that requires improvement.

“Sometimes we work very well and can score five goals. Sometimes it is like this. Not only this game. If we want a better performance, we must improve this part. That is who we are at the moment,” he explained.

Kim said breaking down opponents who defended deep and compact inside the box proved difficult, but stressed that overcoming such challenges is essential for teams aspiring to finish second.

“It is very hard because the team played very compactly in the box. But if you want a second position, you must overcome it. We tried and I cannot blame anyone. The players have done a fantastic job. We cannot win all the time. It is very painful and disappointing, but we have to keep our heads up,” he said.

Meanwhile, Melaka FC head coach E. Elavarasan said although his team failed to record a win in their previous two home matches, the players showed growing confidence in the game.

He noted that his players displayed good discipline, particularly in limiting the number of goals conceded from the opposition’s attacks.

"With seven games remaining, of course the only thing is to fight for points,” he said.

Selangor are currently in second place in the league standings with 36 points, while Melaka remain in 12th position with 11 points.

-- BERNAMA