Football in Selangor has taken an ugly turn and chief coach B. Satianathan never expected the race to be used by the instigators in a bid to oust him from the job.
And is well aware that a “certain group” of instigators are all out him out – something he is not ready to do and instead “will fight” as a Malaysian although his family is affected by some the remarks.
“I am surprised this is happening in our country. We are a multi-racial country where racial harmony stood out as a hallmark and Malaysia often used to be called the ‘melting pot’.
Satianathan also revealed that the “instigators” have also used certain players in the team to whip up the sentiments.
“These instigators also have another ambition…to make money. They believe that foreign coaches are better than the locals. If they can make money by bringing them (foreigners) in,” said Satianathan.
One name that is bandied around is former Johor Darul Takzim coach Mario Gomez.
“The instigators are using certain officials in the FA (FA of Selangor) with the hope of getting things done their way. I am aware of all that.’
However, Satianathan, a former international and former national coach taken all in his stride so far and believes that the 3-2 come-from-behind win over Kuala Lumpur at the Cheras Football Stadium on Sunday “could turn things around” for the Red Giants.
It was Selangor’s first win in the Super League this season in six matches. The 33-time Malaysia Cup champions next play Terengganu at home after a 21-day break in the league due to international assignments.
Satianathan is taking the break to reflect on the happenings in the Selangor team – ready to come back stronger and take the former kingpins back in the top bracket.
The Negri Sembilan-born Satianathan is also counting the loss of striker Rufino Segovia. The Spaniard is out for the next four months after coming down with Achilles tendon injury in the match against Kuala Lumpur.
At the same time, Satianathan is set to play former international Farizal Harun as his first choice goalkeeper – taking over from Khairul Azhan Khalid who had poor games in the first five matches.
“At times you need to fix the team up to get the desired results,” added Satianathan. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH