DOLLAH Salleh has reminded his national trainees to avoid distractions ahead of next month’s AFF Cup in Singapore.
“I want my players to focus on the competition. We have been given a target to achieve and we must do it,” said Dollah after the first day of training session at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
“When the players reported today, I reminded them that as professionals, they need to act in a certain manner. They are not kids so I do not have to watch them closely.”
In 2012, former national coach K. Rajagobal had face challenges preparing his team for the AFF Cup after the Malaysia Cup final as several players were distracted by offers from clubs.
It eventually led to the team’s semi-final loss to Thailand in the AFF Cup. Rajagobal was heavily criticised for the team’s failure of retaining their title.
Dollah could face the same predicament as M-League teams will soon be scouting for players for next season.
Except for those involved in Saturday’s Malaysia Cup final along with Kelantan’s Badhri Radzi and Kedah’s Farhan Roslan, the others reported for training yesterday.
“Badhri had a wedding reception to attend so he will report today so too is Farhan, who received a late call-up, replacing Pahang’s Fauzi Roslan.
“Those with Pahang and Darul Ta’zim will report after the Malaysia Cup final. We will leave for Johor Baru on Nov 3 for a seven-day training stint before we face Syria in a friendly on Nov 11.
“I may have a friendly with a club side during the stint in Johor Baru but it is not confirmed yet. I don't mind playing a Singapore club,” said the 51-year-old.
Dollah disclosed that Pahang winger R. Gopinathan, who is on the standby list, could be called up for centralised training after the Malaysia Cup final.
“He was excellent in the 5-0 semi-final return leg win over Kedah. I am having a headache as I actually want to call-up more players but I can’t due to limited preparation time for the AFF Cup.
“I will discuss with the other coaches before deciding on Gopinathan. I will finalise the 22-member squad for the AFF Cup after the friendly with Vietnam in Hanoi on Nov 16,” Dollah added.
AFF Cup training squad — Goalkeepers: Farizal Marlias (Sel), Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kel), Khairul Azhan Khalid (Pah);
Defenders: Fadhli Shas, Aidil Zafuan Radzak (JDT), Azmi Muslim, Bunyamin Umar (Sel), Shukor Adan (Felda), Muslim Ahmad, Afif Amiruddin (Police), Zubir Azmi (Ter);
Midfielders: S. Kunanlan (Sel), Badhri Radzi, Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria (Kel), Safiq Rahim (JDT), Azamuddin Akil, Hafiz Kamal (Pah), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Felda), Gary Steven Robbat, Baddrol Baktiar (Ked);
Strikers: Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Amri Yahyah, Safee Sali (JDT), Farhan Roslan (Ked), Manaf Mamat (Ter).