Simon: Our toughest game

Apr 01, 2014 - 02:28:09 | Shimaz Ali
Simon McMenemy has said the match against Jayapura would be the toughest in the group. (MS Photo: Shimaaz Ali)

Related Stories

A-different-game-says-Jacksen-5333
A different game – Jacksen

Male’, MALDIVES – New Radiant’s newly appointed English coach, Simon McMenemy, said that tomorrow’s game against Indonesia’s Persipura Jayapura is the toughest in their AFC Cup group this year.

Speaking at the pre match press conference held at FAM House today, Simon said that Persipura is a very difficult team to play against and they have very good players.

“They have very experienced players all over the park. They have very good two center forwards and they are playing in a very attacking form. Their defense is very strong and the monster in the center back is a very good player and he wins everything in the air. Persipura is a very difficult team to play against.”

“But, we must try to play our strongest and not necessarily worry about how to break down Jayapura. And we can do well then we can challenge any team.”

Simon also highlighted about the condition of the team when took over as head coach.

“I have been in charge for 10 days and the boys have worked very hard over the last 10 days and it will be one of the toughest game in the group.”

“I have told to the press many times after watching the game against Jayapura that the team is not fit and there are many reasons for this and I am not going to start excuses before the game. But when you play games against teams who are in middle of their season and it is not easy to play with those teams.”

“You can’t improve fitness in a short term but you can have a little improvement. But you can’t get 100% fitness in 10 days but the boys are doing very well and I think they are motivated for this match.”

Simon also urged the supporters to be with them to push them forward during the match.

“We need supporters in tomorrow’s game. We need a 12th man who is pushing us towards a win and we need to welcome (Persipura coach) Jackson they way they welcomed us.”

“A draw would be ok but we need to win the game and get three points.”

New Radiant's captain and goal keeper Imran Mohamed. (MS Photo: Shimaaz Ali)New Radiant's captain and goal keeper Imran Mohamed. (MS Photo: Shimaaz Ali)

Meanwhile New Radiant’s captain and goal keeper Imran Mohamed has said that they are fully prepared for the match and they are very happy to work with their new coach.

“After the Persipura match things were very good and we got a young and the kind of coach we wanted and under the guidance of him we have been doing very well in the last 10 days.”

“Umair is fully recovered from the injury and he is the striker that we all depend on this season and the player’s confidence was improved when he is back to the team.”

Name

Comment

Send Now
Comments
DhiFootball on Apr 01
Like 2
Dislike 0
Reply
All the best wishes to New Radiant and Insha Allah they will win tomorrows game. I am happy that the coach has talked about one of the biggest issues in Maldivian Football. "Lack of Fitness" has attributed to many of our losses. I am sure the National Team Coach would have noticed the same issue as well. Couple of things local football needs is Good Foreign Coaches who can instill some descipline in our players.(No desrespect to our local coaches but this is what i feel) I am not sure if Coach of New radiant and National team knows this, but our players dont try to be like professional players in and out the field There could be one or two but most players love to roam around at night (missing on much needed rest), they might end up playing in a futsal tournament a week before a major competition and generally smokes and even decide to smoke during half time or after the game and basically live on a poor diet. I hope a coach comes and shows what these players could be with out all these unnecessary things. Now, the players think that even if they smoke and stay up all night, they can play for the national team and win the odd match or even reach the quarter final of the AFC cup. But i believe the difference between lifting the cup and also playing professionally abroad to what they have achieved to date, is in players changing their mind set and to act bit more pro. Insha allah we will have more players playing abroad like Dhagey in the very near future and hoping to see much better talents in our national team.

Headlines