National team manager Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal remains firm in backing Datuk K. Rajagobal (pic) to remain as the national head coach for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012.

Subahan said the question of Rajagobal, 56, stepping down after the 0-3 defeat to Singapore did not arise.

"It has never crossed my mind to ask Rajagobal to step down or drop any players because I am confident and believe we can still achieve the target of reaching the semifinal.

"I am confident the National team will win the next match," he said today.

Malaysian fans had started questioning the capability of Rajagobal after Malaysia suffered an embarrassing 0-3 defeat to Singapore in their opening Group B AFF Suzuki Cup match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, on Sunday.

Fans are said to be unhappy with the many excuses given by Rajagobal lately, especially when the team started losing friendly matches prior to the AFF Suzuki Cup, and the last straw must have been the teams 0-3 loss.

Subahan meanwhile, urged the supporters and fans to not lose their confidence but rather continue to support the team.

As fans, they must not only support the team when it wins but also help boost their morale and confidence by backing them (team) after losing a match or two.

"It will not be fair for the team to be vindicated or punished after losing their first match in the AFF Suzuki Cup competition. There is every hope that the team can rise from the defeat to Singapore," he said.

Subahan also urged the fans to come in droves to the stadium tomorrow to support the team when playing against Laos tomorrow and Indonesia on Dec 1.