KUALA LUMPUR – E. Elavarasan’s resignation as coach just days after leading the Harimau Muda to the Under-23 Asian Cup has shocked many in the football fraternity.
However, speaking to Scoop, Elavarasan said his decision to quit the youth national team was the right one as he believes it is time to give way to another coach to continue the journey with the players at the U-23 Asian Cup next year in Qatar, scheduled from April 15 to May 3.
“This is not about me or any individual as the nation comes first. I have achieved the KPI set by the (Football Association) of Malaysia, so it is time for another coach to take the team to the next level.
“I would also like to focus on helping the senior team and Kim Pan-gon at the Asian Cup in January next year,” he said.
Elavarasan took over the Harimau Muda in September last year, replacing Australian Brad Maloney.
Under his guidance, the U23s won the Merlion Cup in Singapore last March and also reached the semi-finals of last month’s AFF U23 Championship in Rayong, Thailand.
However, the coach recently faced fan criticism for his team’s tactical approach in the qualifiers for Qatar, prompting calls for his resignation.
The FAM is expected to announce his replacement later. – September 18, 2023