The former international claimed that they were calls from certain quarters for him to take drastic action against the team, especially the defence which conceded soft goals.
“I appreciate all the messages and criticisms but, at the same time, they have to be fair and not crucify the players after just one game,” said Rajagopal yesterday.
He added that “it is not the right time” to make changes at this juncture “when the national team’s target is to qualify on merit for the 2015 Asian Cup”.
“I know that expectations from the fans and officials are high after the national team’s success at the SEA Games (2009) and the Suzuki Cup (2010),” said Rajagopal.
“When we do well everyone is happy but when things go wrong everyone start to criticise the players. I have done what is necessary to make sure that the boys do not repeat the mistakes that occurred against Singapore in the first-leg.
“I have belief in these boys ... that they can become better players. They have played for me and I will make the changes when the time is right and if they fail to improve. What I am trying to say is that let’s not be hasty in our decisions. They are bound to make mistakes. I am not making excuses for the poor defending.”
In the first-leg, Malaysia started off well with an early goal after just 26 seconds but the defence caved in after that, allowing Singapore to take a comfortable 4-1 lead in the first-half. Malaysia, however, fought back to reduce the deficit to 4-3 before the Lions eventually triumphed 5-3.
“I appreciate all the messages and criticisms but, at the same time, they have to be fair and not crucify the players after just one game,” said Rajagopal yesterday.
He added that “it is not the right time” to make changes at this juncture “when the national team’s target is to qualify on merit for the 2015 Asian Cup”.
“I know that expectations from the fans and officials are high after the national team’s success at the SEA Games (2009) and the Suzuki Cup (2010),” said Rajagopal.
“When we do well everyone is happy but when things go wrong everyone start to criticise the players. I have done what is necessary to make sure that the boys do not repeat the mistakes that occurred against Singapore in the first-leg.
“I have belief in these boys ... that they can become better players. They have played for me and I will make the changes when the time is right and if they fail to improve. What I am trying to say is that let’s not be hasty in our decisions. They are bound to make mistakes. I am not making excuses for the poor defending.”
In the first-leg, Malaysia started off well with an early goal after just 26 seconds but the defence caved in after that, allowing Singapore to take a comfortable 4-1 lead in the first-half. Malaysia, however, fought back to reduce the deficit to 4-3 before the Lions eventually triumphed 5-3.
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