Lahore: Pakistan’s coach Tariq Lutfi hopes Pakistani youngsters strive to develop into international-calibre players, particularly after two matches against Palestine where they conceded only two goals in 180 minutes.
“It’s normal for the public to expect a lot from this game but it is not fair to judge these young players because they need time to develop. If you expect a lot, it will put a lot of pressure on them,” said Tariq “You can’t have results without giving time for preparation and development.” Pakistan will take on Malaysia in Olympic qualifier second leg at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium Wednesday, 9 March 2011 (8 PM).
Pakistan U21 is still in learning stage and the way they played against Palestine was praised worthy. Lutfi believes his boys have the experience and pedigree to develop into fine players in years to come if they stuck to their potential.
While talking about Malaysians, he said that Malaysian coach Ong Kim Swee has six players from the AFF Suzuki Cup-winning side and also trainees who have had short stints with the national senior squad over the past year. Our opposition have also become more confident after their stint in Slovakia, where they were exposed to high quality matches, playing 14competitive matches in the Slovakian Division One – a rung lower than theSlovakian Super League.
The football atmosphere in the two countries cannot be more different in second leg too as was the case with Shah Alam stadia’s first leg, as the two teams – Pakistan, Malaysia – prepare for their Lahore Olympic qualifiers.
Malaysia are on a high after being crowned Asean champions for the first time last month, while Pakistan continue to search for answers after three penalty kick misses in as many events and 0-2 reverse at Selangor. Malaysia have been together for the best part of four years and they have had time to build a team of players able to take the international stage.
Before Selangor’s first leg, Pakistan U21 team visited Thailand. It turned out to be second ever visit of Thailand for Tariq Lutfi (PIA), after Coca Cola Cup. Ninteen ninety two age-group event, as Pakistani coach who earned one-year coaching assignment for national team from Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat on 15 January 2011.
“The deal is for full 2011 but hopefully it will lead to a longer term agreement,” said Tariq who is on verge of retirement from PIA, already appeared in his last Pakistan Premier Football League. He will also coached Pakistan in coming 4-test Series against Palestine.
Malaysian U21 coach Ong Kim Swee said that “Playing against Pakistan is quite special, it brings back memories of the Merdeka Cup days where Pakistan faced Malaysia twice … and because our senior team has done well recently, there is definitely pressure on us to do well,” he said. Both Tariq and Ong admitted that “The result will be important but we must look at player development, of course.”
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