Mat Zan Mat Aris

KUALA LUMPUR: The frown on the face of KL Plus coach Mat Zan Mat Aris and the tone of his voice reveal something is not right with the team.

Mat Zan believes his lads, including the latest signings, have not shown their true potential on the field and this is worrying.

This has resulted in the team’s fluctuating form in the Super League. Nevertheless, the former international was relieved to see his lads edge Harimau Muda with a 4-3 on aggregate in the two-leg of the FA Cup first round matches. The highway boys will now entertain Kuala Lumpur in the first-leg of Round Two at the PJ Stadium tomorrow.

“The boys can play better… much better. I just don’t know why cannot they give their best when they are all good and hardworking players,” said Mat Zan.

“It is really worrying. I’ve not seen the best of most of my players, including the new faces. The team gave a good performance against Harimau Muda (second leg) and that’s what I want to see from them.”

In their second round match, KL Plus have a psychological advantage as they held KL to a goalless draw in a league match last month.

When asked of his expectations in the KL derby tomorrow, Mat Zan said: “KL have good and hardworking players. They are no pushovers but I hope that we can settle for a positive result. I want the team to keep their FA Cup dreams alive.”

But Mat Zan faces a minor setback as last year’s Golden Boot winner Nizaruddin Yusof and Ramesh Lai will not see action due to injuries. Thus, the coach will be banking on skipper Norhafiz Zamani Misbah, Fadzli Shaari , Reeshafiq Alwi and Sanjos Sundawat to get the team going.

Mat Zan said despite being former teammates with KL’s coach Razip Ismail – during their days with KL and the national team – the former is still unable to read Razip’s game plan.

“We are accustomed to the same coaching tactics but it does not mean that we will be able to read each other’s game properly. Today’s football is very different than what it was 20 years ago.

“In fact, we may use the same formations and tactics but it boils down to what the players do at the end of the day. Sometimes, they don’t follow instructions and that is when we end up with unfavourable results,” he added.