Latest news with #K.Devan
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Melaka FC struggles with team rhythm in Super League opener
MELAKA FC is still searching for their rhythm after a 1-1 draw against Penang FC in their 2025-2026 Super League opener at Hang Jebat Stadium. Head coach K. Devan acknowledged that the team's new foreign signings need time to gel with the revamped squad. He noted that the first-half performance lacked aggression, allowing Penang FC too much attacking space. Defensive lapses and ineffective counterattacks also contributed to the opponents creating chances. 'In the first half, we could have played better but were less aggressive and gave Penang FC too much space,' Devan said. He added that communication issues with the Brazilian players and inexperience in the Super League were key factors. Most local players in the squad came from the A1 League, adding to the adjustment challenges. Penang FC took the lead in the 28th minute through Dylan Christopher Charles Wenzek Halls' header. Melaka FC equalised in the 69th minute thanks to Brazilian striker Juan Douglas Teles Da Silva. Devan pointed out that the team lacked an on-field leader, a problem he hopes to resolve soon. Despite improvements in the second half, he stressed the need to build confidence and adapt to his tactics. 'They have only trained together for less than a month,' Devan said. The two teams will face off again this Sunday in the FA Cup round of 16 at Hang Jebat Stadium. Devan emphasised the importance of winning at home to stay competitive. Penang FC coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail admitted his team is improving but needs to address weaknesses. 'We need our first win in either the Super League or FA Cup to boost morale,' he said. The upcoming FA Cup match will test both teams' ability to adjust their strategies. - Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Melaka FC Grapple To Find Rhythm - K. Devan
MELAKA, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Melaka FC is still looking for their rhythm after the opening match of the 2025-2026 Super League ended in a 1-1 draw against Penang FC at Hang Jebat Stadium, Krubong here, last night. Head coach K. Devan admitted that their import players needed time to build compatibility with the squad which was overhauled for this season. According to him, the first half was less aggressive with too much space given to Penang FC to attack, besides several of the opponent's chances were created due to defensive weaknesses and imperfect counterattacks. bootstrap slideshow "In the first half I saw this team could have played better but we were less aggressive, gave a lot of space to Penang FC and the players' compatibility was also still lacking besides we faced communication problems with the Brazilian players. "For me, experience was also a factor because all the imported players were playing in the Super League for the first time, compared to experienced opponents, while local players came mostly from A1 League," he said at a press conference after the match here last night. Earlier in the action, the visiting team took the lead in the 28th minute through a header by Dylan Christopher Charles Wenzek Halls before Brazilian import striker Juan Douglas Teles Da Silva equalised in the 69th minute for Melaka to tie Penang 1-1. Devan further commented that in the match he saw that Melaka FC still did not have a 'leader' on the field, and hoped that the problem could be resolved soon. The 64-year-old manager said that although the performance gap was seen to be improving in the second half, he saw the need to build team confidence and adapt to his tactics with the courage to win. 'They have only been together for less than a month and this weekend we will meet Penang FC again for the FA Cup and we have to win at home.
The Sun
07-08-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
K. Devan confident new-look Melaka FC ready for super league debut
MELAKA FC are ready to face the challenge of the 2025-2026 Super League season despite being a newly promoted team and seen as underdogs, says head coach K. Devan. He said he believed that a combination of existing players, new local talents and imports would form a solid squad capable of competing in the high-level league. 'We have retained about 50 to 55 per cent of players from the A1 League and brought in nine new local players as well as seven imports. 'This season's squad could be described as a new-look team, so our main focus is on adapting to tactics and positions, while building chemistry among the players,' he told reporters after the launch of Melaka FC's new jersey and player introduction ceremony in Ayer Keroh today. The 64-year-old coach said preparations had begun in June, including eight pre-season friendlies. Devan said that although no imports were involved in the friendlies, the squad had shown progress over time. He added that as a new face in the Super League, Melaka FC aimed for a mid-table finish this season to remain competitive against the country's football giants. 'This target is seen as realistic since Melaka FC were just promoted from the A1 League and will face experienced clubs such as Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur City and Sabah,' he said. Commenting on the opening match against Penang FC at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Aug 13, he was optimistic that playing in front of the home crowd would offer a good chance to collect three points. 'We want to begin positively at home and instil early confidence in the team and supporters. Although our opponents are experienced, we are ready to compete,' he said. The imports in the Melaka FC line-up this season are retained player Michael Ozor and six new faces – Juan Douglas, Patrick Gama, Anderson Brito, Vitor Carvalho, Charles Ralph and Florencio Badelic Jr - BERNAMA
The Star
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Melaka have the right strategy to stay in the top league
PETALING JAYA: Melaka, fresh from their A1 Semi-Pro League triumph last season, are entering the Malaysian Super League with a clear strategy – retain the winning formula, strengthen it with experience and build smartly. Coach K. Devan, a seasoned figure in Malaysian football, is confident that continuity and calculated reinforcements will give his side the edge in their debut season at the top flight. 'We've kept our core and added some experienced players into the squad,' said Devan. 'We're not overhauling. The chemistry is there and we want to build on it.' One of the standout signings is veteran defender centreback Irfan Zakaria, who brings a wealth of top-flight and international experience to a young and energetic squad. 'Irfan is the most experienced one we've brought in. His leadership and composure will be crucial, especially in tight matches.' Another key addition is Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi, a versatile forward expected to bolster Melaka's attacking options. While some of the new faces are still adjusting to the intensity of top-tier football, Devan remains patient and focused. They have also added centreback R. Aroon Kumar and defensive midfielder Faiz Mazlan into the fold. 'Midfielder Faiz came from the A1 Semi-Pro league. It will take him some time but he has the right attitude. We're giving him time to adapt and grow.' Melaka are also actively working on signing foreign reinforcements but are in no rush to finalise deals, with the Super League season already underway. 'We'll bring in a few foreigners while the preseason is ongoing. The key is to find the right fit, not just names,' Devan explained. They have kept players like winger G. Durrkeswaran, striker Azim Rahim, Ghanaian attacker Fusseini Issah and midfielder Nasir Basharuddin.
