Midfielder D. Kenny Palraj has urged Perak fans to support under-fire coach Chong Yee Fatt as they resume their Super League campaign against Penang at the City Stadium on Saturday.
Many Perak fans wanted Yee Fatt to resign after the embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Kuala Lumpur on March 17. Perak are eighth in the standings with five points from five matches.
Kenny feels Yee Fatt needs more time to get the team into shape.
After the defeat to KL, Perak almost embarrassed champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the 2-2 draw in Ipoh on March 21.
"I understand that the fans have high hopes on the team. Yee Fatt is a top trainer, but several factors had worked against the team before he was hired.
"There was a change in the management, and the new coach only had two weeks to prepare the team before their first match of the season," said Kenny.
Yee Fatt had replaced long-serving Australian Mehmet Durakovic, who resigned 14 days before the new season, citing family issues.
"It was initially hard for him to get the team to play his style of football.
"We did not have an ideal preparation. However, everyone is giving full commitment to training.
"We have a few youngsters who have stepped up, and I believe better things will come for Perak."
Penang have started strongly in the league. The newcomers, who are fifth with eight points, are oozing with confidence after the 2-0 win over Selangor just before the international break.
The Panthers are favourites to record their third win of the season on Saturday.
"Penang have been impressive. They are a formidable unit and very driven.
"However, we should forget about them and focus on our game. If we are all on the same page, we can achieve a good result against them," he added.