Nazliazmi calls for further improvement following positive results against PKNS

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BY        ZULHILMI ZAINAL       Follow on Twitter

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Selangor head coach Nazliazmi Nasir has urged his charges to improve on their current form further, following their 2-2 draw against PKNS FC in their Malaysia Super League clash PKNS FC on Sunday.

In the round 15 match that was held at the Shah Alam Stadium, the hosts opened the scoring through Rafael Ramazotti's 18th minute goal, but the visitors snatched the lead through goals by Rufino Segovia (79') and Kugan Dhevarajan (90'). However, Ramazotti rescued a point for the Red Ants with his second of the night, two minutes into injury time.

In their round 14 match last Wednesday, Selangor had edged PKNS 2-1 at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium. The two Selangor-based sides are set to meet two more times again later this month, in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Speaking to the press after the match, Nazliazmi urged his men to up their game in the coming matches.

"Praise Allah for the point, although perhaps we could have come away with a win, but that's what we need to learn; anything can happen as long as the final whistle is not blown.

"But we have shown improvements in terms our performance and the players' individual character. Congratulations too to PKNS, for managing to steal a point tonight," he remarked.

Nazliazmi wants Selangor to improve not just for their cup tie, but also for their league clash against Perak, who are currently in second place, on June 19. The Bos Gaurus are led by former Selangor player and boss Mehmet Durakovic.

"Perak are currently in form and I expect the match will be a closely-fought one. We will play a positive game to ensure that we won't drop anymore points. They are led by head coach Mehmet Durakovic, whom I respect immensely for his experience.

"But anything can happen, and I call on my men to maintain their consistency and character. They performed well throughout the three games played during Ramadan (the fasting month), I hope the coming short break won't disrupt their momentum, and they will continue to perform in the league," explained the former youth coach.

When asked about his decision to take off Joseph Kalang Tie for Kugan in the 78th minute, Nazliazmi explained that he had to make that decision as the former Sarawak player could not keep up with the match intensity. Joseph had earlier been brought on as a halftime substitution for Faizuddin Abidin.

"Sometimes players are not in form, and he came on at a time when the tempo of the game was high. The pressure exerted by PKNS players caused him to lose possession of the ball repeatedly.

"I had to change things around for the sake of the team, and as a result Kugan managed to score our second goal of the night. In that regard, that substitution (Joseph for Kugan) worked," Nazliazmi noted.

Following the draw, PKNS remained in sixth place while Selangor stayed in eighth. The domestic competition will take a one-week break for the Islamic celebration of Aidilfitri, after the final round 15 match, between Pahang and JDT, is played this Tuesday.