KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City FC head coach Miroslav Kuljanac is committed to staying put amidst a potential takeover on the cards.
It was reported earlier that several prominent figures, including the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, former club president Khalid Samad, and businessman Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin, are interested in rescuing the club from its ongoing financial crisis.
In the world of football, it is common for a club to restructure its coaching setup when it changes ownership or go through a takeover.
The club suffered a severe financial blow after Rinani Group Bhd, one of its biggest stakeholders, reduced its sponsorship from 51% to 10% in 2022.
The club currently falls under the purview of the Kuala Lumpur Football Association and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Speaking to Scoop, Miroslav, who took over the role from Nenad Bacina in March this year, said that regardless of a potential takeover, the Croatian will be able to convince the new management of his vision and commitment to the team.
“After five months at the club, I am proud of the players and the coaching staff for everything we have achieved so far on the field, giving our best despite everything what has been happening around us.
“I am also glad that some players have improved under my coaching, and I expect them to play better in the future.
“I’m not concerned about anything happening off the pitch as I personally believe that anyone who comes in will support my vision.
“Hence, I’m not worried about the future of my job, and I will continue doing what is best for the betterment of the club,” said Miroslav when contacted.
At the same time, Miroslav expressed his disappointment with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for deducting six points from the club this season for submitting inaccurate declarations in their application for this season’s national and AFC licences.
In addition to docking the points, MFL also fined the club RM50,000 and banned them from conducting player transfers until the end of the 2024/2025 season.
Furthermore, KL City has been barred from applying for the Asian licence for two cycles, starting next season.
“Of course, the decision to deduct points has a negative impact on all of us at the club, especially the players. It is not easy to accept the loss of points won on the field through our hard work and commitment.
“For us, the only way out of this situation is to continue playing well and winning points. Right now, I am fully focused on our upcoming fixtures, so I don’t have time to think about other things,” Miroslav added.
Following the six-point deduction, KL City currently sit 11th in the Super League, with five points from seven games. – August 16, 2024