KUALA LUMPUR – National hockey head coach Sarjit Singh slammed critics for questioning his role and tactics for the national team after his side’s heavy 10-1 defeat at the hands of Germany in their ongoing European tour.
It was reported that critics from the sports fraternity questioned the 61-year-old’s tactics, calling them outdated and expressing frustration with his excuses after team losses.
Critics have even urged the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to review the newly appointed coach’s KPI and decide on his future following the heavy loss to the world number five side.
For the record, prior to their defeat against Germany, Malaysia won their opening game 3-2, lost their second game 4-2, and won their final game against Belgium B, which fielded a development squad with experience playing in the FIH Pro League, 3-2.
Under Sarjit’s guidance, his charges, with an average age of 25, will spend the next few weeks playing against Olympic-bound teams such as the Netherlands and India, as well as German hockey clubs, in a friendly series.
It is understood that the European trip is funded by the National Sports Council.
Speaking to Scoop from Monchengladbach, Sarjit said that he pays no attention to the criticism, citing that it is easy for people to criticise his tactics and role without watching his charges’ gameplay.
“Anybody can talk, and I’m not bothered about it. I know what I’m doing, and in my opinion, the team has been showing a lot of progress. Of course, I’m disappointed with the heavy defeat, but people need to understand that the team is young and they are part of the learning process.
“It’s better for them to rub shoulders with the best now and fail rather than failing in the future without having the experience of playing against teams like this.
“I have told everyone my intention of bringing the team for this European tour, and it’s absurd to see certain people questioning my intention, role, and tactics.
“People need to understand that we are playing against teams who are at their peak, and I have just assembled a team from scratch with youngsters.
“Of course, we can’t expect them to topple these giants. I’m not here to prove myself to those who criticise without watching our games. MHC has brought me in for a reason, and I believe that I’m doing my job diligently,” said Sarjit when contacted.
Sarjit, brought in by MHC on a two-year contract in March, selected 18 players from a pool of 30 for his revamped team.
They will next participate in the Asian Champions Trophy in Inner Mongolia, China, scheduled from September 8 to 17.
The Speedy Tigers currently rank number 12 in the world with 1,910.30 points. – July 8, 2024