MELAKA, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Melaka FC are currently preparing for the first leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at Larkin tomorrow, viewing the encounter as a challenge that will test the team’s readiness and build valuable experience for the remainder of the season.
Head coach E. Elavarasan said that the match serves as an opportunity for new players to gain experience and adapt to the pressure of high-level competition.
"JDT is a very good and consistent team in the local football scene, but we remain determined to provide the best competition possible and gain valuable experience on the Malaysia Cup stage. We are also trying to gain experience that can be utilised in the Super League campaign," he told reporters here.
Commenting further, Elavarasan said a heavy task awaits his team, which also faces a packed schedule throughout February involving four high-intensity matches, including the two legs against JDT in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals, which remain the team's primary focus.
“All matches this month are quite difficult. We will face JDT in home-and-away legs, in addition to two other Super League matches against Terengganu and Selangor at home. This requires thorough preparation and high focus because the level of the opponents we are facing is very high, each having their own strengths in the league,” he said.
The 64-year-old manager added that his team is showing positive progress after recording several wins and draws, though Melaka FC must continue striving for points to climb the league standings.
He added that the team is still in a period of adjustment after many new players joined the squad over a month ago, but team chemistry is improving from time to time.
-- BERNAMA
