Coaches go for well-balanced teams

Kuala Terengganu: Less than 24 hours to go before this seasons' Malaysia Super League kicks off with the Charity Shield match between Pahang and Lions, three coaches share their top three picks for 2014 MSL with Bola Pantai Timur.

Experienced Titans head coach, Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah, says his top three are JDT, ATM and Pahang.

Titans' head coach Azraai (R) and assistant, Azlan Johar (L)

He says, "JDT is a well-balanced side which have spent the most money. ATM is a good side with a lethal combination involving Marlon Alex James, Bruno Martelotto and Juan Arestagui with experienced and young locals. I believe Pahang are still motivated and buoyed by their Malaysia Cup success."

Otherwise he also says Selangor, Selangor PKNS,Kelantan and Terengganu are also serious challengers.

Here is Azraai's assessment on these teams. Turtles have the materials and they are balanced in every department. The Red Giants have made good pre-season preparations. Paulo Rengel and Juninho are players to watch out for. He believes that PKNS' Patrick Wleh and Karlo Primorac can create a big havoc to all the teams. Kelantan still has a strong defence. Except for the final two weeks when they have put up the real first 11 with good friendly games' results, TRW had been trying out primarily their younger local players as they already know their imports' capabilities.

Premier League debutant PBAPP head coach, Yunus Alif, chooses Pahang, Kelantan and JDT on account of their "well-balanced players in every position". He adds, "To be a serious title contender, they also need to exhibit consistency, discipline and togetherness." According to the former Pahang, Terengganu, T-Team and Perlis coach, well-balanced Felda, Negeri Sembilan anc PDRM are favourites in the Premier League.

Yunus Alif: consistency, discipline and togetherness

For TRW head coach Steve Darby, it is impossible to predict Malaysian football at present.

Steve Darby: Very happy with TRW's work rate, attitude and team shape

He tells Bola Pantai Timur," There are annual changes everywhere. The exception being JDT who should win everything and there is massive pressure on them." Although he stresses that TRW lost seven of their first eleven and had to replace them within a budget, he is very happy with the team's work rate, attitude and team shape.   

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