Malaysia national team coach apologizes for controversial statement, admits 'being rude and hot-tempered'

TPO - 3 days ago, Coach Peter Cklamovski made everyone stir with his blunt message criticizing the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). He said that the leaders of this agency, who are theoretically his bosses, must be responsible for the scandal of 7 players cheating on naturalization. But now, this coach has had to apologize.

Malaysia is leading the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

"There are negative comments directed at him (Prince Tunku). That is unfair. He is a visionary leader. All the troubles that are happening with FIFA, the administrative errors or whatever is happening, it is all FAM's fault," Cklamovski said at a press conference before the match against Laos.

But just a few days later, when facing great pressure from public opinion, Cklamovski had to apologize. He tried to justify his words: "I did not intend to disrespect FAM officials. I only commented based on their official statement on the case (7 naturalized players cheating). I apologize. I have a hot temper and sometimes I am rude.

“But that’s not my intention. I just want to highlight the huge influence that TMJ (the Tunku of Johor, who initiated the Tigers’ naturalisation programme) has had on Malaysian football. Look at the facilities, the structure and the level of professionalism of the team, all of which are the result of his efforts. Without him, where would Malaysian football be? That’s what I really want to say.”

In the press conference before the match against Laos, Cklamovski called on fans to come to the stadium to support his team to win. He emphasized that in the current difficult times, the support from fans will be very important, helping to lift the team's spirit.

"We don't focus on things outside the pitch. There's a lot of noise out there, but it has nothing to do with us. We continue to work, train, build the team and inspire the Malaysian fans," Cklamovski stressed.

“The preparations are going well and we want to put in another impressive performance to make Malaysians proud. This is your national team. I am not here for myself, I am here for Malaysia. If people don’t like me, that’s fine. But you have to trust the players. They are trying to do something special for Malaysia.”

Source: https://tienphong.vn/hlv-doi-tuyen-malaysia-xin-loi-vi-phat-ngon-gay-tranh-cai-thua-nhan-da-tho-lo-va-nong-nay-post1786749.tpo