'It's sad to see our young players struggle' - Azlan
Sports analyst blames lack of preparation for U-23's disappointing performance
SHAH ALAM - The recent performance of the national under-23 squad (U-23) at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup competition in Doha, Qatar, marked by a 0-2 loss to Vietnam in their second match on Saturday night, has stirred deep disappointment.
Sports analyst Azlan Johar expressed concern over the situation, questioning how long it would persist.
He highlighted insufficient preparation as a key factor contributing to the team's inability to deliver strong performances on the Asian stage under Juan Torres Garrido's leadership.
"It's evident that this squad lacks preparation.
"Fitness levels and cohesion among players are questionable.
"We witnessed Vietnam reinforcing their defence when under attack," Azlan told Sinar when contacted.
He lamented the recurrent nature of the issue, stressing the necessity for thorough and serious preparation for major championships like the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
The Harimau Muda squad, enduring their second defeat following a prior loss to Uzbekistan with a score of 0-2, faces dashed hopes of advancement in Doha, despite an upcoming match against Kuwait on Tuesday.
Azlan, a former national player, refrained from placing blame solely on Garrido, citing the limited three-month timeframe he had to prepare the team.
He stressed collective responsibility in nurturing young players and forming a robust squad for future competitions.
"Garrido assumed leadership just three months ago after E. Elavarasan's resignation.
"The circumstances surrounding Coach Ela's departure remain unclear, which undoubtedly impacts the team dynamics," Azlan added.
He called for introspection within the football community to address organisational shortcomings and prevent recurrence of such setbacks.
"Investigating our actions is crucial to rectify mistakes and avoid repetition in the future," Azlan said.
With two defeats in hand, the Harimau Muda currently occupies third place in Group D, trailing behind Uzbekistan and Vietnam, who share the lead with six points each, leaving Kuwait without any points.