KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City FC has shown their desire and interest in bringing aboard Brendan Gan, who is currently not attached to any club since leaving Selangor FC last month.
However, the club, which has been grappling with financial issues over the past few months, has chosen to be realistic and shift their focus to bringing their club back to life by resolving their existing issues.
Scoop previously reported concerns regarding KL City FC’s financial stability, leaving players with unpaid dues.
The club has also been instructed by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to make the first salary payment amounting to 50% by March 15 and a full settlement on or before March 29.
Failure to make the payment according to the stipulated timelines will result in the club receiving a transfer ban with a fine or facing revocation of their national licence by the first-instance body.
KL City FC’s chief executive officer, Stanley Bernard, said that the club is currently working on signing players based on their limited budget and will be focused on maintaining their consistency on the pitch in the upcoming Malaysia Super League season.
“Brendan is currently the most wanted player in the Malaysian league, and of course, we have the desire and interest in bringing him on board, but we need to be realistic for now based on our current situation, and we need to shift our focus to maintaining our consistency and reaching greater heights.
“Our players have given their 100% over the years, and they have also elevated the brand of the club through their performances.
“With the help and aid coming in from our stakeholders, our players are now more motivated to give their 200% for the club.
“We have another seven weeks before the new season begins, and with funds coming in, the players will have more assurance of their financial stability whenever they step onto the pitch,” said Stanley, when he was met at the ‘Teh Hijau Kuala Lumpur’ programme at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium today.
After plying his trade for four seasons (2020-2024) with the Red Giants, Brendan left the 33-time Malaysia Cup champions last week on mutual terms, as the club underwent a restructuring process.
With Selangor, the 35-year-old made a total of 80 appearances, 75 of them in the starting lineup, and captained the team in almost all of their matches.
During that time, the Malaysian-Australian player scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists for the team.
Brendan has also made a total of 18 appearances for Harimau Malaya since 2014 and was part of head coach Kim Pan-gon’s AFC Asian Cup squad, being in the starting lineup in their final group match against South Korea, which they drew 3-3.
Despite their financial issues, KL City FC maintained their mid-table grip in the Super League last season as they finished seventh with 38 points.
KL City FC also announced that assistant coach Miroslav Kuljanac will be promoted to fill the vacancy left by Nenad Bacina as the head coach of The City Boys squad for the upcoming season.
Bacina unexpectedly announced his resignation from KL City yesterday.
Stanley also said the selection of the Croatian as head coach is to ensure continuity in the training methods applied by the previous coaches to ensure the continual improvement of players on the field.
“He oversaw two matches last season, taking over from coach Bojan Hodak and coach Bacina. We believe he brings his strengths to the table. It’s widely acknowledged that he’s ready to step up as the head coach at any time, ensuring a seamless transition,” Stanley added. – March 16, 2024