Following our fourth defeat in the league this season, City Boys’ head coach Bojan, singled out S Pahang’s goalkeeper, Mamadou Samassa,
as the difference between the two sides
after our 1-2 loss at home to S Pahang on Saturday night.
“What was wrong is that (the) Man of The Match was (the) Pahang goalkeeper (Mamadou Samassa)”, he told members of the media during the post match press conference.
He explained that he could not find fault with his player’s efforts in the match apart from putting the ball in the back of the. net.
“So we have chances, again we didn’t score (a) goal, they score a first, (a) fantastic goal (from a) freekick and I cannot complain because my player was there in the block and second goal (a) penalty which again, I wish that I can comment but I cannot, you know. So overall, I cannot complain about other things to (my) player(s).”
The 50 year old Croatian, reiterated that the opponent’s had nothing much going forward apart from their two goals but their 1.97 metre Malian in goal was the reason for S Pahang win.
“Except this (the freekick and penalty goals), I think that Pahang had one shot in the first half and (in the) second half, I don’t think that they entered the penalty box. We had so many crosses in(to their area), we have chances, we had shots but as I said Man of The Match was their goalkeeper (Mamadou Samassa).”
When asked if the Red & White are having problems scoring goals from opportunities created, Bojan reminded those present,
“Finishing is no(t a) problem (since) tonight, it was a problem in (the) last match. If you remember (in the) first half in Negeri Sembilan, we had so many chances, we couldn’t score (a) goal, so this is the main problem.”
Bojan was also revealed his thoughts on
the City Boys’ foreign legion of outfielders during this match, leaving out goalkeeper Mendoza, who did not have much to do that night.
“GG (Gallifuoco) played quite well in defence, he didn’t make any mistake, Paulo (Josue) score(d a) goal, he had 2, 3 good situations (to score), maybe Romel is still not what I said is his best, maybe he needs to be more dangerous and Kevin (Koubemba) in the flanks, he create(d) lots of situations, he was dangerous, but in scoring situations he is not there yet, he doesn’t have (the) touch at all.”
On questions regarding our engine room in this encounter, Bojan was pleased with his player’s’ contribution.
“I think that Akram and Ryan did (a) good job. Defensively, they were okay, attackingly, they didn’t lose so many balls like usual. And I think that (in) the flanks, we create(d) much more chances than usual. So this part, I can say that it was okay.”
He also clearly stated that he was far from content with the result and he expects the boys to improve and do better in front of goal beginning with the next match against Penang, following a paltry return of 7 points from the first 7 fixtures in the league.
“Whenever you lose a game, you’re not satisfied. Look, (in the) first part (of the season) we expect(ed) we had (a) problem with preparation (for the season) because of Covid-19 and everything (else), but today, you can say (it) like this (or) like that, but at the end (of the day), you are playing football to score goals, and we need to buck up and need to focus on the next game (vs Penang) in 3 days.”
On our prospects for the next match? Bojan clarified that it will not be easy for us as Penang has the upper hand of a long break for not being involved at the weekend, and their players will be out to prove their worth to caretaker coach Manzoor Azwira, who replaces the rested Czech head coach Tomas Trucha.
“(The) next match is in 3 days, we need to have (a) good rest and we need to focus on (the) next game because it will be tough in 3 days time. Penang is coming fresh, they’ve changed the(ir) coach, so they will be dangerous. Manzoor Aswira is there (as the coach in charge), We were working together, me and Nenad (Bacina, former assistant coach to Bojan), so we know roughly he (Manzoor) is having (a) similar style (to us). It will be (a) 50/50 match you know. So again, they will be fresh, this is their advantage, our advantage is (that) we’re playing at home, we’ll see.”
A must win against Penang, he was asked.
“Every game is a must win in football!”.
To read the match report of KL City vs Pahang on 7/5/2022 (Super League), please click https://kualalumpurfootball.com/2022/05/07/bojan-we-have-to-be/
To watch the highlights of KL City vs Pahang on 7/5/2022 (Super League), please click https://youtu.be/arUl_zNCPuQ
To watch the complete match of KL City vs Pahang on 7/5/2022 (Super League), please click https://youtu.be/dohJHiVDj90