KUALA LUMPUR – “Even Jurgen Klopp wouldn’t be able to help Selangor win titles with the players they currently have.”
This was the blunt assessment from Selangor FC legend and former player D. Surendran after the club suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) in the FA Cup final at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Saturday.
The loss to their arch-rivals was the heaviest in Selangor’s 119-year history for a tournament final.
Speaking to Scoop, Surendran, who spent his entire professional career with the Red Giants from 1996 to 2011, stated that the current squad under head coach Nidzam Jamil is far from the team he once played for.
The 45-year-old versatile player, known for his roles as a defender and midfielder, enjoyed considerable success during his 15-year tenure with Selangor.
He won more than 10 major titles, including the Super League, FA Cup, and Malaysia Cup and holds the unique record of scoring in five domestic cup finals for the club.
“The players today are nowhere near the standard we had back then. We were passionate about playing for the club and committed to winning titles.
“We were also very quick in our decision-making, and we were one of the first clubs in the country to introduce quick transition football through our gameplay,” Surendran reflected on the current state of the team.
“The current squad lacks the hunger and willingness to take risks on the pitch. It’s frustrating to see them hesitate, holding the ball too long instead of shooting.
“What’s more concerning is the lack of leadership on the field. Many players seem mentally fragile, as was evident in their recent FA Cup final against JDT.”
Surendran also emphasised that it is unfair to place the blame solely on the coaches when the team underperforms.
“Nidzam is doing his best with what he has, but even if someone like Jurgen Klopp were managing Selangor, it wouldn’t make a difference unless the players change their attitudes,” he said.
He also criticised Selangor’s management for not investing in players with a long-term vision, suggesting that their focus on short-term goals is detrimental to the club’s success.
“During my time, players were signed with long-term goals to help the club succeed. I came up from the youth ranks and knew the club’s and fans’ pulse,” Surendran explained.
“Nowadays, players are signed for short-term gains and seem more interested in the money than in representing the club. For instance, signing someone like Ronnie Fernandez doesn’t benefit the team. He may bring experience, but his pace and impact on the field aren’t enough for Selangor.”
Surendran called for better planning in player recruitment, akin to their rivals JDT, to build a team capable of challenging for domestic titles in the future.
“Until then, Selangor will remain a shadow of JDT,” he added.
For the record, Surendran also made several appearances for the national team, playing a key role in defence during the 2004 Tiger Cup and in some 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. – August 29, 2024
