S.League: Razip won't quit

Ten games played, zero wins, no draws, and critics back home are asking if there is even a point in Harimau Muda B plodding on in the Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League.

Young Tigers coach Razip Ismail has come under fire as Malaysia's developmental side limp from one defeat to another.

He admits he is frustrated, after seeing his team score just eight goals while shipping in 31 at the other end, conceding at least two every match.

Ahead of tonight's clash against Woodlands Wellington at the Pasir Gudang Stadium, the 52-year-old former Malaysia international and three-time Malaysia Cup winner told The New Paper: "This is an unwanted record that is bad for my reputation."

Former Malaysia internationals Khalid Ali and Dali Omar suggested in Malaysian newspapers recently that Razip should resign.

But Razip says he is not going anywhere and hit back, insisting his critics were missing the whole picture.

"Because of the poor results, people look at us differently, they make a lot of noise and say we bring shame to the country but they don't understand what is going on," explained Razip.

"The gap between our players and our opponents is too big."

"We are not even an Under-23 side, but an Under-21 team. This is a big difference between Harimau Muda A and B."

"We lost three key players when they were promoted to the A team and retained just eight players from last season, so this is almost like a new team."

"Some of our boys are playing top-level football for the first time, and with the league so competitive, they don't have the physical strength to last the entire season against seasoned opponents who can field five foreigners."

Despite the losing record, Razip insisted there are positives to be taken from the poor season so far.

He said: "There were games where we were actually better than our opponents. We were leading Tanjong Pagar 1-0 and Tampines 2-0, and we also did well against Hougang, but we just couldn't convert the advantage into points."

DEMORALISED

"That first game against Tanjong Pagar really demoralised us as we let a nine-man side beat us 2-1.

"In terms of playing, I'm quite satisfied, but individual mistakes and inexperience have cost us and our concentration has been very weak, which is disappointing."

"Overall, this is still a good learning experience for the players and it will help their long-term development. Week in, week out, they get to play against stronger opponents."

"The main objective for this team is development, but results also matter. We don't want to be losing every game."

The Young Tigers' will get another opportunity to turn their fortunes around tonight when they hosts the Rams, who miss key defender Walid Lounis through suspension.

"We have to buck up and get points as soon as possible, hopefully against Woodlands," said Razip, who confirmed he will try to sign reinforcements from the Under-21 sides in Malaysia when the transfer window opens next month.

"We have scored five goals in our last three games and we must try to take advantage of Woodlands' weakened defence."

"The management understands the situation. Instead of criticising us, they want us to improve, and we will continue to fight."

"We have to keep going, keep believing, and never give up."

Because of the poor results, people look at us differently, they make a lot of noise and say we bring shame to the country but they don't understand what is going on. 

This article was published on May 7 in The New Paper.

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