B. Satiananthan. - NSTP file pic
B. Satiananthan. - NSTP file pic

For those wondering about the identity of the new national football coach, the answer may be out today.

FAM will hold a press conference after an exco meeting, and among the issues is the national coaching job which fell vacant following Tan Cheng Hoe's resignation in the wake of Malaysia's AFF Cup failure last month. FAM are also expected to announce the AFF Cup post-mortem by the Independent Investigation Body.

FAM need to appoint Cheng Hoe's successor soon as the incoming coach will have less than six months to prepare the national team for the Asian qualifiers.

So, what qualities are FAM looking for in the new coach?

Football Coaching Association of Malaysia president B. Satiananthan said the decision makers firstly need to understand the coach's philosophy.

"There are usually two types of coaches. The first kind stick to their own style and look for players who can fit into it. The second kind work around the players available but insert their own philosophy," he said.

"The second kind would have studied the last few matches, asked around about missing and available players, and not jump to conclusions.

"For a new coach to set his philosophy, it takes time, and when it comes to the selection of players, the coach will need to monitor each player for at least three games to determine consistency. That alone will take three weeks, so it's not enough time to gather them for the March (Fifa) window.

"The new coach will need to be Superman in order to get things right for the Asian qualification round in June," said Satiananthan.

Former national coach Azraai Khor said an Asian coach, instead of Western, will be more suitable for Harimau Malaya as "communication" is also important for a team to succeed.

"The only foreign coach I've ever been influenced by was Robert Alberts (Kedah coach 1992-95) because of his character and the way he spoke," he said.

"There are some who come infront of the camera and say whatever, then later apologise (after saying something wrong or controversial). In our culture, we need to tread carefully, or cakap 'berkias', which is why I said communication skill is important. If you have the players on your side, then the battle is half won."

Azraai added that the national coach should be an all-rounder who not only has the tactical skills but is knowledgeable in various aspects, including sports science.

"Another concern that comes to mind is the individual's ability to understand the culture, to adapt to FAM's DNA especially the F:30 roadmap and has an independent character without being arrogant," said Azraai.

Among the names that have been linked to the national coaching job are South Koreans Kim Hak Bum, Kim Pan Gon, Park Jin Seop and

Kim Byung Soo. KL City's Malaysia Cup-winning coach Bojan Hodak has also been speculated as a candidate.