KUALA LUMPUR: Their position in the Super League table may indicate otherwise but Kuala Lumpur coach Fabio Maciel does not believe his team deserve to be sitting at the bottom of the standings.
Three defeats in four matches leaves KL languishing at the wrong end of the table with their sole victory an unexpected 1-0 success against leaders Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).
KL take on Kedah in Cheras on Saturday looking to spring another upset after boosting their confidence with a 4-0 win over third-tier Kuching in the FA Cup last weekend.
"In the other games we played in the Super League we lost not because the other teams created more chances to win but it was because of our own mistakes," said coach Fabio Maciel, referring to defeats to Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Perak SEDC.
"Against JDT, of course, we were more defensive but we played without making mistakes. So we are in a good way and I have a good group of players who have given me a headache for selection against Kedah."
Maciel said the FA Cup success will bring confidence back to the team after losing their last Super League match 2-1 to Perak SEDC.
Several players who missed out on the FA Cup match are expected to return against Kedah including midfielder Junior Aparecido and goalkeeper Kamarul Effendy Abd Rahim, who have been criticised for their performances.
"Junior is a good player but he is not in a good moment," said Maciel of his Brazilian compatriot.
"When I brought him here it is because I know his quality and I know what he can give. We try to bring his confidence back.
"The players who I removed from the first XI against Kuching have done well but only the results do not show it.
"It will be a difficult game against Kedah. I have watched their games and I know they are a quality team who are good in possession. We will try to block their strong points and try to attack their weak points."
KL have not beaten Kedah in 13 meetings, including losing their last eight matches, since their last win in 2008.