Where did Terengganu go wrong?

Notwithstanding the controversy following the failure of Terengganu to qualify for the 2015 FA Cup Finals and all its ramifications, Turtles should adopt a new no-nonsense approach to stem the slide in its recent performance and deal with their own inability to achieve its own target.

Although they won over Lions XII 3-2 at Stadium Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin last night to level the aggregate score to 4-4 over two legs, Lions XII qualify on away goals.  

BolaPantaiTimur obtains feedback from a few coaches.

First, Terengganu's poor defence has not been adequately fixed.

Coach A says, "Terengganu defence did not do their job well." Agrees coach B: "Poor defending cost them the final." He was puzzled how come Cameroonian Vincenet Bikana lost two aerial challenges against shorter opponents. He also noted that the distance between defence and attack was too big.

Quips Coach C, " Bikana made defending mistakes by being too slow in clearing the ball from danger area." Coach D says, " Although Terengganu won 3-2, in my view, the weakness in defence was the main issue even though they are very experienced defenders."

He adds that there was not a single vocal "leader" who could organise the defence. He believes that it is necessary to have such a leader to always remind players while they are playing. He notes, " If we look at teams with good and highly-disciplined defence, usually there is someone who plays that role in steering his team mates. There is no leader-navigator in Terengganu defence."   

Besides, coach B adds, " Lions won more second ball which gave them the chance for counter attacks...Too many Terengganu players wewre walking after they lost the ball. "

Another factor which they highlight is the inability of Terengganu players to control their emotion.

Coach C says; " Some players were angry and were not focussed to their tasks in the game. Import players played with anger." Bikana was given the yellow card on the hour. Both Rangel and Gustavo Lopez were red-carded following the controversial referee's decision to diasallow Terengganu's fourth goal.

Other factors do contribute to the result not going to Terengganu's favour.

Coach A says: " Luck also played a big part in their exit from the finals." What about Lions XII? "They played the right tactics away from home."    
     
If Terengganu really love football, they should get over last night's painful agony and be honest with themselves. Take drastic actions immediately to stem the slide from becoming worse. They should start with these pointers.