Latest news with #PeterCklamovski
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cklamovski wants Harimau Malaya to 'win our way' to 2027 Asian Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: It may be early days in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, but Harimau Malaya coach Peter Cklamovski is already thinking big. Fresh off back-to-back wins over Vietnam (4-0) and Nepal (2-0), Malaysia top Group F with six points and are in the driving seat to qualify for a second consecutive Asian Cup — having ended a 42-year wait by reaching the 2024 edition in Qatar on merit. Only the group winners will secure automatic qualification for 2027, with Malaysia still to face Laos (Oct 9 & 14), Nepal (Nov 18), and Vietnam away (March 31, 2026). But Cklamovski is brimming with belief. The Australian insists his training camps are already geared towards producing top-level performances in Asia, and that the upcoming friendlies against Singapore (Sept 4) and Palestine (Sept 8) will serve as a dry run for the real thing. "In my mind, it's a little bit like an Asian Cup format," said the 46-year-old. "The Singapore match is game one — let's get three points. That's what we want to do at the Asian Cup when we get there. "Game two is a tough opponent, Palestine. Let's win that too. The match is four days later — it mimics the tournament format. "It's a little taste of how we prepare, how the players recover, train, and go again." Cklamovski, who has brought a high-press, high-intensity identity to Harimau Malaya, stressed that results matter, but so does how they win. "I'll always be looking to win — but win our way. "We need to keep developing our team and the way we play, keep building our mentality. "We want fans to believe that every time Malaysia play, we'll be aggressive, hungry and determined. That's the opportunity September gives us." With Laos coming up in October, Cklamovski warned his players not to get carried away by the rout of Vietnam, calling it just "three points" in the grander scheme of things. "We just need to keep improving. I don't want everyone in the country to get over-excited about what happened against Vietnam — treat it as three points and move on. "We know what works, and we'll take that into September. "And importantly, we use this camp to prepare for October." He also urged fringe players to step up in the M-League, making it clear the door remains open for new faces. "We have the mentality that nothing is going to stop us. This camp — against Singapore and Palestine — will be an eight-day sprint. "Come in, be hungry, train hard, improve, connect, build our identity.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Enough is enough, Cklamovski wants to move on
KUALA LUMPUR: Peter Cklamovski had wanted to move on, but the issue just refused to die down, much to the chagrin of the national football team head coach. And Cklamovski is not amused with another round of claims that Malaysia were facing a FIFA ban over alleged misuse of naturalised heritage players. Cklamovski admitted at a press conference today that he's getting tired over the matter. It all started when Harimau Malaya fielded five new heritage players: Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca and Facundo Garces in the 4-0 win over Vietnam in an Asia Cup qualifier in Bukit Jalil on June 10. This led to allegations of illegal naturalisation by the FA of Malaysia (FAM), and Cklamovski refuted it numerous times. He said the win over Vietnam should fill Malaysian fans with pride and get all to stand behind the national team. But yet the heritage players issue continues to ignite debate. The 46-year-old Australian said: "I'm getting tired of it, to be honest. It's been weeks since the Vietnam game, but the talks over the players have never stopped. I have moved on from the match and am looking forward to our upcoming matches. "We had the documentation issued by the Malaysian government and FIFA giving the clearance before the Vietnam match. I don't know what more can be done to prove the legitimacy of the players. "Machuca missed his son's birth to play for the national team and Holgado took a long flight and went back almost immediately after the match to return to his club... I don't know how much more these players can show that they want to play for Malaysia. "Indonesia had been naturalising players before us and I have read that Vietnam had amended their law to allow naturalisation. "The national players are playing for Malaysia, no matter where they are from and they need the support from Malaysians." Cklamovski added that Malaysia will play friendlies against Singapore and Palestine on Sept 4 and Sept 8 in Kuala Lumpur respectively. However, fans have questioned FAM over Malaysia's withdrawal (due to logistical and player availability issues) from the Central Asian Football Association Nations Cup from Aug 29-Sept 8. "We will be playing two quality opponents in September, it will be a derby match against Singapore and another tough match against a top 100 side Palestine," said Cklamovski. "There's plenty of rivalry between Malaysia and Singapore so it will be a good test for the players, and Palestine have qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup and had a good run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. "These two matches will be a good test for the team before we face Laos in our Asia Cup qualifier in October. We hope to get the best players to join the training camp," said Cklamovski.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Harimau Malaya to face Singapore, Palestine in September friendlies
HARIMAU Malaya will face Singapore and Palestine in two high-profile international friendlies this September, as confirmed by head coach Peter Cklamovski. The matches are part of Malaysia's preparations for their upcoming 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers clash against Laos in October. The Causeway Derby against Singapore (FIFA ranking 159) is scheduled for September 4, while the match against Palestine (FIFA ranking 98) will take place on September 8. Although the venues are yet to be finalised, Cklamovski hopes both games will be held at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The Australian coach emphasised that these fixtures were strategically chosen to test the squad's development following their impressive 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June. 'Singapore's a good team. The game will have lots of emotions. It's a derby, and we look forward to it. Rankings don't matter—it's going to be a tough game,' he said. Regarding Palestine, Cklamovski noted their qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup as a key challenge. 'They're a top-100 team, so it's a great opportunity to measure our progress. We want to play our football and make Malaysians proud,' he added during a media session. Despite the recent win over Vietnam, the coach stressed the need for continuous improvement. 'It was a special night, but it's just three points. Now, we focus on getting better in September,' he said. Currently leading Group F in the Asian Cup Qualifiers with six points, Malaysia will next face Laos (FIFA ranking 185) on October 9 and 14. Vietnam trails with three points, while Laos and Nepal (FIFA ranking 176) complete the group standings. – Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Harimau Malaya Can Expect Stern Tests In Sept Friendlies Against Singapore, Palestine
PETALING JAYA, July 23 (Bernama) -- Harimau Malaya will take on Singapore and Palestine in two Tier 1 international football friendlies in September. National team head coach Peter Cklamovski said the 'Causeway Derby' against world number 159 Singapore will be on Sept 4, while the match against world number 98 Palestine will be on Sept 8. Even though the venue is not confirmed yet, Cklamovski hopes both matches, which will be part of Malaysia's preparations for their third Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Laos in October, will be played at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. bootstrap slideshow The Australian tactician said both teams were carefully chosen for their unique attributes and the kind of test they provide for the squad's continued development following the emphatic 4-0 victory over Vietnam in their second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers on the home ground last month. 'Singapore's a good team. The game will have (lots of) emotions. It's a derby and we look forward to it. It's not so much about rankings, where they place. It's going to be a tough game. 'Palestine has qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup and is ranked in the top 100. So, it's a challenge for us to go up against a good opponent and see where we stand against them. We want to put our mark on the game, play our football, put a team out there that will make Malaysians proud and excited,' he said during a coffee session with the media here today. As both matches are set to bring added value in terms of player development and tactical growth, Cklamovski has made it clear that their main objective is to win both games. He also said that despite the national team's 4-0 win over Vietnam in June, the focus now is to keep building and improving during the upcoming friendlies. 'Yes, we played well, we scored some good goals, we could have scored more. Positive night, special night at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Cklamovski offers solid defence against criticism over pullout from Nations Cup
PETALING JAYA: National coach Peter Cklamovski has defended Malaysia's decision to withdraw from the CAFA Nations Cup, calling it a calculated move made in the best interests of the national team. And he assured fans that the Harimau Malaya will play friendlies in September, which would contribute points to their FIFA ranking. However, the decision to pull out has sparked criticism among some fans and stakeholders, with questions raised about Malaysia's ambition. But Cklamovski insists the decision was neither rash nor a sign of weakness. 'I understand the disappointment from some quarters of Malaysian football. But this decision was made based on what's best for the national team,' said the Australian. 'As we assessed the logistics and overall planning, it became increasingly clear that participation wasn't feasible at this time. And we factored in every player, whether locally or abroad.' The tournament, hosted by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, was seen as a valuable test against higher-ranked opponents. Yet, Cklamovski believes the timing simply didn't align with the team's long-term objectives. 'I'd like to see this as an ambitious move. We want to take on serious challenges, but they must come at the right time. 'Our focus now is on the October and November third-round 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, where nine points are up for grabs. ''That's our main priority.' He added that the team's plans for September - likely involving friendly matches - will be announced soon and should excite fans. Despite the current international lull, Cklamovski said preparations have not stopped. With the Malaysian Super League set to begin soon, Cklamovski is already watching pre-season matches and has commended the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for their advanced planning. 'Credit to the MFL for mapping out the season early. It gives structure and clarity not only to clubs and players, but also to us at the national level. That kind of organisation is important for long-term success.' Cklamovski sent a clear message to players across the country, whether in the national fold or on the fringes, that their performances are being closely monitored. 'Players who have been in camp with me know the level of professionalism expected. ''But for those who haven't, know that I'm watching. If you want to wear the Malaysia jersey, you have to earn it through consistent performances in training and matches.' He also reiterated that selection will be based on merit, not reputation or geography. 'I don't care if a player is in the Super League, abroad, or in another domestic competition. I'll select the best squad to win matches for Malaysia.' On speculation that more mixed heritage players could be drafted into the national team, Cklamovski clarified that while the coaching staff continue to scout globally, there is no dedicated programme or 'phase two' focused solely on that. 'We've identified players with Malaysian heritage playing abroad and we're tracking them, but there's no formal initiative beyond that. ''Some of the talk is more online chatter than official planning.'
