KUALA LUMPUR – The sudden resignation of E. Elavarasan as head coach of Malaysia Under-23s has sparked questions within the football fraternity.
Among the many questions that have been asked is whether the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Elavarasan succumbed to pressure from football supporters on social media after the Harimau Muda lost 1-0 to Thailand in Chonburi in the U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers last week.
Speaking to Scoop, Shukor Adan, an iconic figure in the local football scene, said that FAM has never been pressured by fan demands, and he believes that the footballing body had to make the decision as it requires Elavarasan’s services for the senior squad.
“I don’t have any personal comment on Elavarasan’s decision, but I believe that Kim Pan-gon requires his expertise for the national team ahead of their Asian Cup campaign as he’s also the assistant coach.
“I don’t think that the negative comments from the fans played a role in Elavarasan’s decision.
“As far as I know, Elavarasan is a very strong person with a very positive mentality. The fans have every right to voice whatever they want on social media, and knowing FAM, they have always taken a positive stance in handling fan criticism,” said Shukor, who captained the Harimau Malaya in the 2007 Asian Cup.
Shukor said that whoever FAM hires to take on the position should be able to maintain the momentum implemented by Elavarasan.
“I believe that FAM will find a suitable candidate to replace Elavarasan.
“I just hope that the new coach can lead the team and maintain the positive atmosphere that Elavarasan has instilled ahead of the 2024 AFC-U23 Cup,” Shukor added.
Meanwhile, S. Balachandran, a former Harimau Malaya assistant coach, echoed a similar sentiment, saying that Elavarasan has done a great job in leading the Harimau Muda to glory in a brief period.
“Elavarasan is one of the nicest guys in Malaysian football, and his sudden resignation is indeed shocking for us in the football fraternity.
“It’s not easy for any local coach to repeat the success of what he did for the young squad with limited resources.
“He was more like a caretaker manager for Harimau Muda, and I believe that he has done his part by ensuring Asian Cup qualification in a short span of time,” said Balachandran.
The former Malaysia international further said that the head coach’s departure will not affect the players’ mentality and believes that FAM always does its best for the betterment of the sport.
“Our Harimau Muda players are truly professional. I know many of them and have witnessed their progress over the years.
“The resignation of Elavarasan will not affect the team, and our players are capable of adapting to any coach.
“FAM always strives to do what’s best for the benefit of the sport in Malaysia, and I believe that president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin will come up with a suitable replacement in the coming days. The fans need to calm down and trust FAM’s process,” Balachandran added.
Despite leading the Harimau Muda to the U23 Asian Cup, Elavarasan made the decision to resign from his position as team coach.
According to a statement today, FAM has reached a mutual understanding with Elavarasan, allowing him to concentrate on his duties with the Harimau Malaya while making room for others to take on the responsibility for the U23 Asian Cup in April.
Elavarasan was appointed head coach of the Under-23s in September last year, replacing Brad Maloney.
Under his guidance, the Harimau Muda won the Merlion Cup in Singapore in March and also advanced to the semi-finals of last month’s AFF U23 Championship in Rayong, Thailand. – September 19, 2023