PJ City are winless in their last 13 matches, and coach P. Maniam is desperately rallying his men. - NSTP file pic
PJ City are winless in their last 13 matches, and coach P. Maniam is desperately rallying his men. - NSTP file pic

KUALA LUMPUR: PJ City are winless in their last 13 matches, and coach P. Maniam is desperately rallying his men.

He urged the Phoenix to make a turnaround starting with a win over Sarawak United at the State Stadium in Kuching tomorrow.

Maniam said he believes that a win can spark a PJ City revival.

Last season, PJ City, who used an all-local line-up, punched above their weight to finish a respectable seventh in the 12-team Super League. They recorded six wins, six draws and 10 defeats.

Despite a promising start this season which saw them winning two of their first three league matches, PJ City lost their way and are now second last in the table.

Maniam said the team were dragged down by individual errors but if his players can iron that out, the Phoenix will be able to rise again.

"If we get a win (today), things will change for us. We will move away from our current position. I still believe we can improve our position," said the former Selangor coach.

"The players need to find their inner strength and motivation. We must cut out the individual mistakes. We get punished badly for these mistakes."

On the match against Sarawak United, Maniam said his men need to treat the match as a final.

"Sarawak United seem to be a transformed side under new coach S. Balachandran, and they will be fired up by home fans," he said.

"I see both PJ City and Sarawak United struggling for results, so this match is crucial for both teams."