KUALA LUMPUR: Former national striker, Mohd Safee Mohd Sali, believes the absence of friendly matches ahead of international assignments will not necessarily disadvantage the Harimau Malaya squad, provided players make full use of their time training together.
He said friendly matches are indeed important as a preparation platform, but intensive training in the national camp can also help players improve their tactical understanding and build team chemistry.
“Friendly matches are certainly good for preparation. But even without friendly matches, I think training alone is sufficient for tactical understanding and developing cohesion.
“Even if there are no friendly matches, the fact that they are united in one camp is a positive thing for the national team,” he told reporters at the Mamee Hana Safee Sali Superkids Cup here today.
Safee also reminded national players to maintain their fitness levels and performance ahead of the new season.
According to him, professional players already understand the importance of taking care of themselves, while also making use of the break following the end of the league season to prepare for upcoming challenges.
The national squad, currently ranked 138th in the world, will compete in the ASEAN Cup from July to August.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B alongside seven-time champions Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos, while Group A comprises Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and the winner of the play-off between Brunei and Timor-Leste.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for June 4, Safee said Malaysian football requires renewal, including the involvement of more new faces in its administrative structure.
He said such a move is important to restore confidence in the leadership of the country’s football governing body and to bring positive changes to the development of the sport.
“I think we need fresh faces to restore confidence in the leadership of our organisation.
“Perhaps several new faces within the organisation can contribute and reshape our football planning. What is important is that we continue moving forward and make improvements for the national team,” he said.
