Despite losing five key players ahead of the Malaysia Cup season, Perak have adjusted in relevant areas with three substitutes slotted in.
The three substitutes were Mohd Failee Mohd Ghazli on loan from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Perlis midfielder Mohd Hafiszuan Salehuddin and Harimau Muda defender Muhammad Rafiuddin Roddin.
Perak lost Shahrulnizam Mustapha, Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, Mohd Nasril Nurdin, Mohd Syazwan Roslan and Azmeer Yusoff, who were suspended from seven matches for attacking referee Mohd Sabri Mat Lazim during a Super League match at the TLDM Stadium in Lumut on May 19.
Football Association of Perak president Datuk Zainol Padzi Paharuddin said although the absence of the five players would be felt, maybe certain areas could even be improved with the presence of the three substitutes.
"In the absence of the five players, we need to beef up our attack," he told reporters here today.
"We are not in the comfort zone as our performance was inconsistent last season compared with Kedah and Sabah. We do not have any advantages compared with these two teams.
"Likewise, Johor. We have not met them for a long time. May be they have made significant changes in their strategy and tactics. This has put pressure on coach Norizan Bakar," said Zainol Padzi.
He said Perak had lost their lustre upfront towards the end of last season with the absence of Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli.
Perak continue their training throughout Ramadan before breaking camp for Aidilfitri and rejoining for their opening encounter against Sabah on Sept 6.
Perak were drawn in Group A along with Johor, Kedah and Sabah.
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