YOU are on your own, and don't depend on the other 10 players to defend your goalmouth.
That was the grave advice to Hafizuddin Othman and Adrian Andy Albert from former national hockey goalkeeper S. Kumar on the eve of the Asia Cup in Jakarta.
When Malaysia play Oman today at the GBK Stadium, there must be no excuses after 60 minutes but a winning scoreline and smiles all around. Malaysia last played Oman at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy and won 3-1.
The Asia Cup will see Malaysia play seven matches in 10 days, and they need to be on the podium for the national men's team to qualify for the World Cup in January next year.
National goalkeeping coach Kumar said: "Fitness-wise both the goalkeepers are ready to play and give their best. Right now I am coaching to make them mentally stronger."
"They need to know that when the ball is inside the semi-circle, they are on their own and must never depend on defenders but be alert to keep the ball out," said Kumar yesterday.
"The situation is the same even if they play lower-ranked or the number one team in the world."
Between Hafizuddin and Adrian, they let in 18 goals in four matches in a Test series against World No 1 Australia. Malaysia lost 3-0, 7-0, 5-0 and 3-0.
"Even during the 7-0 defeat, my goalkeepers played well, if not, the scores would have been in double digits.
"That's why I have been drilling into both of them to keep saving whatever the scoreline is, as their performance and confidence will eventually rub into the other 10 players on the pitch," said Kumar.
Tom Drowley, the team fitness trainer who was hired in March, said the Australian Tour is vital to their Asia Cup preparations.
"As a newcomer to Malaysia, other than feeling disappointed with the scoreline, the GPS results were encouraging and indicated that all the players' fitness level is alright.
"And in recent weeks (after the Australian Tour), they have shown a marked improvement and are ready for the Asia Cup," he said.
Oman won the Asia Games qualifier in Bangkok earlier this month after whipping Bangladesh 6-2.
The Oman coach knows a thing or two about the Malaysian defence. He is Lim Chiow Chuan, a former Malaysian national player.
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Chiow Chuan said Oman players are naturally athletic and fast. And they also have the technical skill and mental attitude.
That's a grim omen from Oman for the Malaysian goalkeeper today.