As far as the 2014 Malaysian Super League (MSL) season goes, whatever the LionsXII have dished out on the pitch thus far does not surprise Robert Alberts.
The Sarawak coach feels the LionsXII’s position on the MSL table right now — seventh — is a fair reflection of the Singapore outfit: Hard to beat, a little inconsistent at times and lacking someone with a clinical finish.
“I have always said that the LionsXII are a good side,” said the 59-year-old Dutchman in Kuching yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s Sarawak versus LionsXII MSL game.
“Never underestimate them and all the talk that they are in the M-League for developmental purposes is not right.
“They are not a developmental side. They are the best of Singapore talent. With six or seven current internationals in the team, how can you say that they are doing development work?” As far as Alberts can see, the LionsXII are “giving every team in the M-League, week in week out, a run for their money”.
“Look at them against Kelantan last week. They were in total control. Scored one lovely goal and then they took their feet off the pedal. In the end, they paid the price,” noted Alberts, who expects the visitors to be at their fiery best at the State Stadium in Kuching tomorrow.
“It must have been so frustrating for Fandi and the LionsXII how things turned out against Kelantan,” said Alberts. “They had the match in their grasp, did all the attacking, but just could not find the net. Then came the two moments of poor defending which led to the two Kelantan goals.
“I thought it was just a matter of concentration. They thought they had the match all wrapped up and let their guard down.”
Likewise he believes that his team needs to stay on their front foot throughout the 90 minutes tomorrow. “Against the LionsXII, chances are not going to be easy to come by. So, whatever openings come our way, we must be able to take them,” he added.
Alberts has to sweat over the fitness of his striker Muamer Salibasic who is nursing a thigh injury suffered during Sarawak’s 2-0 loss to T-Team. The 29-year-old Bosnian has scored 13 goals from 22 appearances for Sarawak so far.
Source: Alberts expect fired-up LionsXII @ TodayOnline.com
