Sarawak coach Robert Alberts will not reshuffle his team as he has a settled squad for the Malaysia Cup even though he was not happy with the FAM’s fixtures and changes.
With Junior Eld’stal returning to the squad from his national duties, Alberts will have extra options in his defence for he can slot in Junior in this department.
Ther coach predicted that in the six matches in the Malaysia Cup first round, his team cannot afford to slow down as, unlike in the league, a loss can prove fatal.
Alberts’ greatest hope is that his players can stay clear from injuriesfor the team to have any chance of going to the second round.
For a start, he hoped he will be able to play his first-eleven or first 12 or even 14 as he has no strength and quality in the reserve squad.
His players who had just returned from the Hari Raya have lost some fitness as they were celebrating in the traditional way by going from house to house but as professional athletes, they have to sacrifice in taking the right food.
“In the six matches in the Malaysia Cup, we cannot slow down and we have to be more alert.
“We’ve a decent side with a decent attack and our defence has stayed the same for every match.
“My main hope is that we will be able to play our first eleven, 12 or even 14 players in the tournament.
“Last year we managed to beat Selangor at home but lost to the others like Kelantan and Pahang in our group.
“This year, initially we were supposed to play Lions XII at home in our first match and it will be great as we hope for a flying start and then go to Perak with a bouyant mood if we do well.
“But the fixture is now changed to playing the first match away to Perak which will be tough playing against them in their stadium and with all the long travelling.
“Every team start on Aug 17 but we play on 18 (Monday) and for the last match we have four days to rest before we play the last match in the group while the others all have five days.
“Also during the break for the Merdeka Cup where Sarawak do not play, Lions XII keep themselves prepared by playing in the tournament but not Sarawak,” said a disappointed Alberts.
The Dutch coach said he had tried to raise the issue of the fixtures with the Sarawak management team but even if they lodge a complaint to the FAM, there might be no reaction from the national body.
Source: New Sarawak Tribune
