Football

Garrido wants versatile players for Under-23 Asian Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Coach Juan Torres Garrido is still in the "experimental stage" preparing his national Under-23 players for assignments next year.

However, he raised the issue of adjusting to players' availability for training camps.

"We've been working with almost the same set of players from last year with a few additions," said Garrido.

"Every camp is used to cover every aspect. We are pleased with the progress of the players.

"Everything depends on the situation. We try to adjust to what we have during a camp.

"I want to build a team comprising players who can play several positions, and they are adapting well.

The former Granada CF academy manager called up 24 players for centralised training on Tuesday. The Young Tigers departed for Shanghai today to play two friendly matches against the China Under-23 side on Saturday and Tuesday.

The Spaniard hopes his team can emulate their senior team's 1-1 draw against China in September.

"I want to prepare these players to play the same brand of football as Harimau Malaya.

"The match against China will show where we stand as a team, although I do not have a complete squad.

Garrido is preparing his squad for the Under-23 Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, on April 15-May 3.

Malaysia are in Group D with Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Kuwait.

The top three teams in the tournament will qualify for the Paris Olympics.

KW: football, Juan Torres Garrido, Under-23 Asian Cup, Young Tigers

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