Fate of Penang squad figures teetering in the balance

Its president Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff Mushir Ariff expressed his disappointment especially with the local players for failing to put up consistent good performances.

Taking Muhamad Faiz Subri as an example, he said even though the player scored a goal which caught world attention, Muhamad Faiz did not shine in the following matches.

"We began the competition well, but our players failed keep up the momentum and now we are in the second last position. Our players also did not appear to have good sporting spirit, most of them are only pursuing rewards. Frankly, I am disappointed with them.

"If we are relegated, not only are the fate of (Boyan) Hodak (FAP managing director) and (Nenad) Bacina (Penang chief coach) are in danger, even my position is also in danger," he said when contacted, here today.

Hodak and Bacina as well as two import players, Ranti Martins and Jeong Seok-Min, were brought in by FAP in May to save the Panthers from being kicked out of the Super League.

However, the move only produced results initially when Penang succeeded in beating T-Team and Kedah as well as playing to a 1-1 draw against Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) which even earned commendation from JDT coach, Mario Gomez as a strong team.

However, after the draw against JDT, the team began to spiral down with a 1-4 loss to Perak, 0-1 to Pahang and a 1-1 draw with Police.

Meanwhile, Hodak, when contacted, said was not feeling pressured and was confident Bacina would do his best as he had succeeded in pulling up his squad from only six points to 19 points.

Hodak said the team must win in the last match against Terengganu on Oct 22 to ensure Penang stay in the Super League next season.

"The match is an important test for the players and if they fail even with fans giving them the support, it will show that they do not deserve to play in the Super League and don the team jersey," he said.