Football

Hassan heads back to Premier League after Asean high

KUALA LUMPUR: What's next for the wily Hassan Sazali Waras? Is he going to take over Brad Maloney's job now that the Australian has resigned as national Under-23 coach?

For now, FAM wants Hassan, who took Malaysia to the AFF Under-19 title last Friday, to go back to coaching the FAM-NSC Project squad that play in the Premier League. However, Hassan will double up as national Under-19 coach.

Hassan, who cleverly rotated his team in the Asean meet, saw the Young Harimau beat Laos 2-0 in the final in Jakarta.

National Under-19 team manager Joehari Ayub, who is also FAM vice president, said Hassan was needed at FAM-NSC to ensure continuity to help the team grow.

Joehari said since the FAM-NSC squad was set up two years ago, he believes that their players can go on to shine at international level.

"To strengthen the team by having continuity, it was better for Hassan to bring the squad (to the AFF Under-19) because he's already in the system.

"The FAM-NSC squad is the outcome of those from multiple places and these players are used to Hassan's ways," said Joehari.

"From the start I have believed in them. Some have come under big clubs like Selangor and Johor Darul Ta'zim, and getting exposed to good training and gameplay."

As to whether Hassan will fill Maloney's shoes, Joehari said this ws just mere speculation, and he will not comment on it.

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