Kota Kinabalu: Alto Linus warned his players against complacency when Sabah FC take on Kelantan The Red Warriors in the Super League tie this evening (Saturday) at Likas Stadium.
The assistant head coach also urged the players to build on the FA Cup victory over Bunga Raya FC to get their first league win in the new season.
“We had positive results in our last two matches with the away 1-1 draw with Kuala Lumpur City in the league and 6-0 first leg win over Bunga Raya FC in the FA Cup round of 16.
“The big win certainly boosted the team’s confidence, but at the same time, we cannot be too complacent because every match is important, especially playing in front of our own fans in Likas for the first time this season.
“We have to stay focused and play with full discipline if we are to get the maximum points,” he said on Friday.
He was also aware of the threat posed by the visiting team coached by former national Under-23 coach E. Elavarasan.
“The presence of E. Elavarasan as the new head coach has brought a positive impact on Kelantan The Real Warriors.
“They are not easy opponents as evidenced by their 3-1 home win over Kuala Lumpur City FC in the FA Cup.”He added that they may have some issues in preparing the team’s starting line-up for the match.
“There are several players who are still not yet fully fit. But I am confident that whoever is given the opportunity will know what to do and give their very best for the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Victor Ationg has been named as the new team manager for Sabah FC this season taking over from Rafie Robert.
The assistant head coach also urged the players to build on the FA Cup victory over Bunga Raya FC to get their first league win in the new season.
“We had positive results in our last two matches with the away 1-1 draw with Kuala Lumpur City in the league and 6-0 first leg win over Bunga Raya FC in the FA Cup round of 16.
“The big win certainly boosted the team’s confidence, but at the same time, we cannot be too complacent because every match is important, especially playing in front of our own fans in Likas for the first time this season.
“We have to stay focused and play with full discipline if we are to get the maximum points,” he said on Friday.
He was also aware of the threat posed by the visiting team coached by former national Under-23 coach E. Elavarasan.
“The presence of E. Elavarasan as the new head coach has brought a positive impact on Kelantan The Real Warriors.
“They are not easy opponents as evidenced by their 3-1 home win over Kuala Lumpur City FC in the FA Cup.”He added that they may have some issues in preparing the team’s starting line-up for the match.
“There are several players who are still not yet fully fit. But I am confident that whoever is given the opportunity will know what to do and give their very best for the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Victor Ationg has been named as the new team manager for Sabah FC this season taking over from Rafie Robert.
