BY ZULHILMI ZAINAL Follow on Twitter
Kuala Lumour head coach Fabio Maciel is eager to have out-of-favour Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat join his team, but took the time to praise the Hawks young custodian Khatul Anuar Jalil when met by the press on Wednesday.
The 21-year old goalkeeper has made seven competitive appearances for Kuala Lumpur (KL) this season, including against Selangor in their second leg FA Cup quarter-final match last Saturday, in which he made a number of brilliant saves to keep them in the game, although they went on to lose 8-7 on penalties.
"We've been talking to him (Fahmi) and I hope by next week everything is settled and he can come join us to help our league campaign.
"Last year when I brought Khatul from the U-21 side, I believe he will be one of the best goalkeepers in the country. He had very good games in the previous matches; against Pahang and Selangor. But my goalkeeper coach and I know that he needs more time and experience, as well as more challenge.
"For example the penalty shootout against Selangor the other day. It was probably his first time facing such a major situation in senior team football. Now he's in form, for sure I will keep playing him. For me, it doesn't matter if the player is young or old (experienced), if they play well they will get to keep their place," explained the Brazilian.
For now, Fabio is concentrating on the Hawks' next matches. They will play three Malaysia Super League matches in the space of one week; away to Perak on Sunday, at home against PKNS FC on Wednesday, and an away tie to Kelantan on the following Saturday.
"It will be a strong game, especially when we'll be playing away and we know Perak have the quality. But we have to finish preparing (for the matches) this week, as we don't have time to train next week. We will only have time for recovery sessions. But I'm confident we'll do well, as we did against Selangor.
"I'm happy because my players executed everything we prepared in training for that match; which is what what any coach wants to see. Seeing from outside the pitch that your players are doing what they have prepared in training.
"It doesn't matter who I pick for the match, as long as they play the way I want them to. When to create an opening, when to press. That way I can switch the players without changing the system," he remarked.
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