SINGAPORE - Four goals in five matches, and not to mention, one of them came courtesy of a Kuala Lumpur own goal during the Lions- XII's 2-1 win on Jan 17.
The LionsXII's goal-scoring record in the Malaysian Super League (MSL) is far from impressive, as far as Fandi Ahmad is concerned, and the Republic's most prolific goal-scorer believes it could make it tough to do well in their first season back in Malaysian football.
But Fandi said that in all fairness, the LionsXII never really had the best of preparations for the MSL season but they could only improve if they stick together throughout the trying season. "It clearly shows the team did not play enough pre-season matches and therefore it will take a much longer period for them to gel. But they will get there if they hang on together and don't waiver in the face of some tough competition along the way," added Fandi.
His advice for the team's goal-scoring woes was to go get a striker, convert another player into a forward or try out someone new. Just find someone. "We just have to find someone who can score the goals, failing which we will find it hard to win matches and get the points needed for a respectable finish at the end of the season," said Fandi.
The 50-year-old, who captained Singapore to triumph in the 1994 Malaysia Cup, has been following the LionsXII's progress in the MSL and while he is happy that the team is holding its own against the big boys, he has pointed out several areas that need improvement.
Fandi and Sundram are friends and the duo formed one of the most deadly striking partnerships in their heyday, but Fandi did not shy away from commenting on the current coach's tactical decisions.
"To be honest, Agu Casmir, the front man, is not playing in his ideal position. He is an effective player but only in the 18-yard box. That's where he thrives. He comes alive in the box. But to ask him to play a bit deeper and do all the running and fetching, it's asking a bit too much of him."
With regard to team captain Shahril Ishak, Fandi said: "You either put him as an out-and-out striker or play him just behind the frontman. To ask him to score and also to create goals would be a bit too taxing on him.
"He is a talented player, no doubt, but he has his limitations."
Fandi rated the current LionsXII squad, saying that it was of reasonable quality and he reserved special praise for the solid defence which has been superbly marshalled by Baihakki Khaizan. But a great defence does not amount to goals and Fandi was quick to point out that the glaring lack of creativity in midfield is a major factor in the goal drought.
True to his nature as a goal predator, Fandi urged the team to go on the prowl for goals. "You don't create chances and you don't get the goals. But to be able to create chances means you have to be adventurous and push forward a bit more," said Fandi.
"I always believe that football should never be played in a defensive mode. Attack at every given opportunity is the name of the game."
The LionsXII's goal-scoring record in the Malaysian Super League (MSL) is far from impressive, as far as Fandi Ahmad is concerned, and the Republic's most prolific goal-scorer believes it could make it tough to do well in their first season back in Malaysian football.
But Fandi said that in all fairness, the LionsXII never really had the best of preparations for the MSL season but they could only improve if they stick together throughout the trying season. "It clearly shows the team did not play enough pre-season matches and therefore it will take a much longer period for them to gel. But they will get there if they hang on together and don't waiver in the face of some tough competition along the way," added Fandi.
His advice for the team's goal-scoring woes was to go get a striker, convert another player into a forward or try out someone new. Just find someone. "We just have to find someone who can score the goals, failing which we will find it hard to win matches and get the points needed for a respectable finish at the end of the season," said Fandi.
The 50-year-old, who captained Singapore to triumph in the 1994 Malaysia Cup, has been following the LionsXII's progress in the MSL and while he is happy that the team is holding its own against the big boys, he has pointed out several areas that need improvement.
Fandi and Sundram are friends and the duo formed one of the most deadly striking partnerships in their heyday, but Fandi did not shy away from commenting on the current coach's tactical decisions.
"To be honest, Agu Casmir, the front man, is not playing in his ideal position. He is an effective player but only in the 18-yard box. That's where he thrives. He comes alive in the box. But to ask him to play a bit deeper and do all the running and fetching, it's asking a bit too much of him."
With regard to team captain Shahril Ishak, Fandi said: "You either put him as an out-and-out striker or play him just behind the frontman. To ask him to score and also to create goals would be a bit too taxing on him.
"He is a talented player, no doubt, but he has his limitations."
Fandi rated the current LionsXII squad, saying that it was of reasonable quality and he reserved special praise for the solid defence which has been superbly marshalled by Baihakki Khaizan. But a great defence does not amount to goals and Fandi was quick to point out that the glaring lack of creativity in midfield is a major factor in the goal drought.
True to his nature as a goal predator, Fandi urged the team to go on the prowl for goals. "You don't create chances and you don't get the goals. But to be able to create chances means you have to be adventurous and push forward a bit more," said Fandi.
"I always believe that football should never be played in a defensive mode. Attack at every given opportunity is the name of the game."
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