DOHA: As Harimau Malaya limped out of contention, mauled and bloodied, coach Kim Pan Gon wants his men to get used to the "taste and smell" of the Asian jungle.
After Malaysia lost their Group E matches against Jordan 4-0 on Monday and Bahrain 1-0 on Saturday in Doha, Pan Gon said: "We must get used to the smell, feel and taste of taking painful hits. And this will help the players build the foundation for the future."
Pan Gon said as Harimau Malaya are only returning to the continental showpiece on merit after 44 years, they need to play more tough matches against powerful opponents.
Pan Gon felt that the Malaysian team fought so hard and carried out what they did in training that he couldn't fault his men for the two losses.
"Nothing wrong, this is where we are. We need to accept reality because of where we are... compared to others on the Asian stage."
So in Pan Gon's words, there is nothing wrong with the team. For that is where Malaysia's standard is at now.
Pan Gon felt that Malaysia lost out to Bahrain because his team couldn't control the match as well as the Dilmun Warriors scored the winner in stoppage time through Ali Madan.
"We need to accept reality because of where we are, compared to the others on the Asian stage."
Jordan and Bahrain are ranked 33 places above Malaysia in the world rankings. That is a reality, and class tells. Truth be told, Malaysia are not Asian class yet.
Nonetheless, except for the 4-0 rout by Jordan, Malaysia's performance against Bahrain was commendable. Pan Gon's men would have got a point if not for conceding an injury time goal.
Though Malaysia are out of the running, the team still want to hunt for one more thing — one point in Doha.
And they hope to get that point against South Korea on Thursday.
Mighty may be the Taegeuk Warriors, but Pan Gon has announced his target — which is at least a draw,
The coach said Harimau eye one point to avoid coming home empty-handed.
"We still have one more game where we will look for that point. We'll play against a giant and we must fight with attitude."
