1 day Ago By Farah Azharie
KUALA LUMPUR: Peter Cklamovski believes Harimau Malaya's football identity is taking shape, and the national coach wants them to show their real stripes in an Asian Cup qualifier in June against Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam, whom they haven't beaten in over a decade. Malaysia's last success over Vietnam came in the 2014 AFF Cup semi-final, where they edged the Golden Star Warriors 5-4 on aggregate. Since then, the national team have struggled to break the Vietnamese dominance, managing just two wins in the past 16 encounters.
But Cklamovski is focused on the future, not the past. "We want to be the best team we can be every game. We want to be aggressive, entertaining, and exciting, whether you're in the stadium or watching on TV.
That's the identity we want to have," said the Australian, who took charge of Malaysia earlier this year. He added that while progress was made during the first international window in March with a 2-0 win over Nepal, the team are far from their final form. "Yes, we've made positive steps, but we've got more to evolve.
I'll never be close to achieving the ideal identity because I'll always be chasing more," he said. Cklamovski confirmed that the national team will be in training camp for an extended period in June, beyond the Fifa window of June 2-10, as part of their meticulous build-up to the Vietnam clash. "It's an important camp for us.
We'll get a little bit more time together because of how the calendar works, some clubs finish this weekend, the cup final is the week after, and then there's no football. "We've got a plan in place. The players will have a short break, then come into camp hungry.
We'll build fitness, play friendly matches, and be ready for Vietnam," he said. Despite Vietnam's dip in form after the departure of former head coach Park Hang Seo, Cklamovski remains cautious of the opponents' pedigree. "I've got the utmost respect for Vietnam.
They're undefeated in their last 11 or 12 games and won the Asian tournament in December. So we cannot underestimate them. "Looking back, Malaysia haven't had much joy against them.
But if we keep focusing on the past, we lose sight of what needs to be done moving forward," he said. Cklamovski's goal is clear and that's to end the Vietnamese hoodoo by winning the tactical battle and fielding a well-prepared, fit, and united squad. "Yes, I am confident we can get the result we dream of and that's three points.
But we have to earn it by putting together a performance that gets the job done," he said. Cklamovski spoke during a podcast session with Timesport on the Beat in Bangsar. Catch the full episode next week.
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