NATIONAL coach Dollah Salleh is neither feeling pressure nor is perturbed with the 2-0 defeat to Indonesia in a friendly in Surabaya on Sunday.
Friendly matches do not matter to Dollah as the former international is only using them to try out players and also introduce his strategies before the AFF Cup in November.
“Friendly matches have no meaning. I also had poor results in friendly games when I was with Police and Pahang but both went on to win titles,” said Dollah.
“Some will criticise me for my methods but I am not too bothered about them as my mission is the AFF Cup.”
Dollah has not tasted victory since becoming coach in July but is expected to achieve it when his team take on Cambodia at Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday.
On the defeat to Indonesia, Dollah said the result could have been different had Malaysia scored in the first half.
“We muffed so many chances in the first half but credit to Indonesia for winning this match.
“I am not too worried about our defence as we still have options like Aidil Zafuan Radzak and Fadhli Shas, who are with the Asian Games squad.
“However, I am concerned with our attack. Our strikers are not scoring goals. It is a department I need to work on before the AFF Cup,” said the former Selangor coach.
Dollah will trim his squad to 22 players after the friendly against Terengganu at the Sultan Nasiruddin Shah Stadium on Sept 24.
“The 22-member squad will also include those from the Asian Games team. But of course there will be two or three changes due to injuries and other factors ahead of the AFF Cup.
“I will give everyone a chance before I trim down the squad.
“Those who were not tested against Indonesia will play against Cambodia on Saturday,” said Dollah.
Some, however, are unhappy with Dollah for recalling several veterans including goalkeeper Azizon Kadir, who was one of 17 Kuala Lumpur players fined RM5,000 after admitting to fixing matches last season.
Azizon started between the posts on Sunday while Shukor Adan, who was handed the captain’s armband, did well before being substituted in the 66th minute with Indra Putra Mahayuddin coming on as a substitute.
Also returning to the starting line up after a long absence were defenders Muslim Ahmad and Azmi Muslim.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said the selection of Azizon and others is the prerogative of the team’s management and coach.
“We cannot interfere with the selection process as Dollah has his choice of players.
“However, we are aware that Azizon’s selection has left some unhappy,” said Hamidin.