KUALA LUMPUR: Having a strong squad alone is not enough to win the Thomas Cup. According to BAM coaching director, Rexy Mainaky, Malaysian shuttlers must forge strong camaraderie for their team to succeed.
Rexy stressed that players must put aside any egos when it comes to team events.
The Indonesian's comments came after the Malaysian men's team lost 3-0 to China in the final of the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) yesterday.
Despite starting the tournament with a full squad, Malaysia were eventually without their two strongest men's singles players, world No. 10 Lee Zii Jia and world No. 15 Ng Tze Yong, who were ruled out with sinus and back problems respectively.
As a result, former Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao stepped up to first singles duty in the final, while 19-year-old Eogene played second singles.
Hopes were on former world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to deliver a point, but the world No. 5 men's duo were stunned by China's world No. 90 Xie Hao Nan-Zeng Wei Han.
Looking ahead, Rexy said players must show more hunger and desire, and work on becoming a much more solid team if they want to win the Thomas Cup.
"It's not always about having the strongest team. You won't win the Thomas Cup like that.
"The camaraderie in the team must be solid. Players need to put aside their egos and work together.
"I say this because I know, I've been there. Indonesia could not have won the Thomas Cup if we were not a solid unit.
"Having a team that look strong on the outside means nothing. In Indonesia, we used to say empty cans make the loudest noise.
"We want to avoid becoming that," said Rexy, who won the Thomas Cup four times in a row from 1994-2000.
By virtue of finishing in the BATC top four, Malaysia are already assured of a place in April's Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu, China.
Malaysia last won the coveted trophy back in 1992, but came close in 2014 when they reached the final, only to lose 3-2 to Japan.