Cklamovski should explain his ‘internal struggles' statement, says Joehari
Cklamovski not only made headlines after guiding Harimau Malaya to an emphatic 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers on June 10, but for also making a statement on internal struggles plaguing the national team.
And the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Joehari Ayub now wants him to clear the air.
What should have been a triumphant night quickly turned into a flashpoint when the Australian tactician used his post-match press conference to hint at behind-the-scenes issues.
'There are some things internal, maybe a bit of betrayal, some politics, some obstacles we are confronting on a daily basis,' said Cklamovski.
'If we didn't beat Vietnam, it could have turned ugly. They would've come after us, after TMJ (Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim), after me. Suddenly, I'd be the bad coach. The players would've been targeted too, all over a result.'
When asked to comment, Joehari held firm, urging the coach to provide further clarification.
'You'll have to ask Peter himself,' said Joehari. 'From FAM's side, we're doing everything we can to support Harimau Malaya.
'That much I'm certain of. What he said could be speculative. He should be the one to explain.'
The post-match controversy didn't stop there.
Questions have also emerged over the eligibility of several mixed heritage players recently called up to the national team, namely Argentinian-born centreback Facundo Garces, Spanish-born defender Jon Irazabal, Argentinian-born winger Imanol Machuca, Brazilian-born playmaker Jose Figueiredo, and Argentinian-born striker Rodrigo Holgado.
Online chatter cast doubts on their Malaysian lineage but Joehari quickly shut down the speculation.
'Every one of these players were thoroughly vetted by FIFA. That's not a body you can take lightly,' he said.
'If we were wrong, it would be a serious offence. But they were cleared by the world body and that was enough for FAM.'
Despite the off-field noise, Malaysia's strong showing against Vietnam has put them in a solid position heading into the final phase of qualifiers.
Still, all eyes will be on Cklamovski, not just for results, but for how he handles the alleged internal storm.
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