KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing coach Bojan Hodak believes his replacement, Nenad Bacina, will do a great job at KL City.
Croatian Hodak has left KL City after two and a half seasons to coach Indonesian side Persib Bandung just days after his side lost 2-0 to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the FA Cup final.
Hodak guided the City Boys to three finals with one title to show during his tenure that began in 2021. They won the 2021 Malaysia Cup and were finallists in last year's AFC Cup.
Croatian Bacina, the former academy director of Saudi Arabia side Al-Fayha, was Hodak's assistant at JDT (2014), Indonesia's PSM Makassar (2020) and KL City (2021-2022).
"KL City picked Nenad because he knows the team. The transition will be smooth.
"The team are in good hands, and I believe they can spring an upset in the Malaysia Cup and could even finish higher in the Super League standings," said Hodak today.
"I wish Nenad and KL City the best of luck."
"The treble win in Kelantan in 2012 was a big achievement, but the most difficult one was the Malaysia Cup win over JDT.
"My biggest achievement would be reaching the AFC Cup final," he said.
"I had unbelievable seasons at KL City with the AFC Cup achievement topping it up.
"I achieved it with a club that had a tight budget, and I will cherish this forever."
KLFA president Khalid Abdul Samad said it was hard to part ways with their prized coach, but obliged with Hodak's request.
"We are sad to let Hodak go, but he wants a new challenge. We thank him for his services and wish his all the best," said Khalid.