QUICKLY FIND A REPLACEMENT ON PAR WITH PAN GON

IPOH, July 17 (Bernama) -- The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) must find a coach who is more qualified than or on par with former Harimau Malaya head coach Kim Pan Gon.

Former FAM vice-president Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin said this is to ensure that the level of performance of Harimau Malaya, ranked 135th in the world, continues to remain consistent, particularly ahead of the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers next March.

"We saw that the national football team performed at a very good level under Pan Gon. Make it a priority to pick a coach with a high profile and experience to ensure it stays that way.

"This appointment must also be made as soon as possible because the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers will be held next March. We need time to identify and select the best players to represent the country,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

South Korean Pan Gon resigned yesterday, having guided the Harimau Malaya since 2022.

Pan Gon's best achievement was helping Malaysia end a 42-year wait by guiding the Harimau Malaya to qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup Finals on merit.

The 55-year-old Pan Gon racked up an impressive achievement of 20 wins, five draws and 10 defeats out of 35 matches since his first game in charge of the Harimau Malaya on March 23, 2022 (which saw them beat the Philippines 2-0 in the FAS Tri-Nations Series 2022). 

Zainol, also the former Perak FA president, called on local football fans to respect Pan Gon's decision.

"This may come as a shock to many, especially Harimau Malaya supporters, but we need to give Pan Gon the space to be calm and resolve the problems he's facing.

"All parties must look forward and not speculate about the issue as it could tarnish the national team's image,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Perak and national team striker Muhammad Khalid Jamlus believes that FAM have their own standards in the search for a quality replacement.

He said FAM have the expertise and experience to find the right man soon, although it won't be easy.

"Let's leave the appointment of the new coach to FAM. They are wiser in assessing (the candidates) and I am sure we will have a coach capable of leading the country to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals on merit,” he said.

Khalid said Pan Gon's resignation should not be disputed as it is part and parcel of the game.

"Coaches come, coaches go. It's normal in football. All parties, including the supporters, must not overreact.

"Instead, we must look forward and give our support so that the national team will continue to be successful and make Malaysia a football powerhouse in Asia,” he said.

-- BERNAMA