Although they need only a draw to qualify for the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals, Sarawak coach Robert Alberts wants his men to do more.
The Dutchman said he wanted no less than all three points in tonight’s final Group D match against Perak at Stadium Negri.
“Perak know they must win but we have the advantage (of needing just a draw to qualify).
“However, we don’t want just a draw — we want to be number one in the group.
“This is our focus but we do need to be careful because Perak are a good attacking team.
“It’s going to be a very interesting match as both teams are all out to secure their berth in the last eight. Let’s see what will happen tomorrow night (tonight),” Alberts said when met by The Star after a training session at Stadium Negri here yesterday.
Kick-off is 8.45pm.
He viewed Group D as the “most interesting” one in the tournament, which is now wide open with all four still having the chance to make it to the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, Alberts admitted that his men were still exhausted after their Wednesday away game against Lions XII at Stadium Jalan Besar, Singapore, in which the Crocs lost 1-0.
He said Croatian striker Muamer Salibasic who was stretchered off during the match, would be fielded tonight.
“However, Mohd Shahrol Saperi has to sit on the bench as he is still not fully fit.”
When met, Salibasic said his injury was not too serious and he was ready to face Perak.
“I am looking forward to scoring goals and help my team-mates getting through to the next round,” he said.
Team captain Joseph Kalang Tie was also confident that they would not have any problem.
“We want to forget Wednesday’s defeat and move on,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alberts said he was still disappointed with the firecracker incident at Stadium Ipoh during the Cup opener on Aug 20.
“I am still wondering why no action was taken against such unprofessionalism on Perak’s part with regard to their officials,” he lamented.
//The Star
