| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC assistant coach Moksen Mohammad highlighted the lack of cooperation between midfield and defence has made them vulnerable to getting exposed at the back in the wake of their 5-0 defeat to Tampines Rovers FC in the Great Eastern-Hyundai S League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Friday night.
The Stags handed them their heaviest home defeat in recent memory which already included multiple 4-1 losses to Home United, Hougang United FC, Balestier Khalsa and Geylang International FC this season at a ground used to be a fortress against S League clubs.
“The disappointing part of our performance was the defence. We were easily exposed at the back and there was no cooperation and teamwork between the midfield and defence,” said Moksen in a post-match interview.
The assistant coach added they should not pin the blame entirely on the defender who was at fault with the goal with the midfield playing an integral role to work together.
“We lost on the one versus ones and even if the midfield joined in, we also lost,” continued the assistant coach.
The assistant coach said they will work on defence ahead of the final league game of the season against Garena Young Lions.
He admitted their defence for most of the season has been disappointing though he expressed hopes to end the season with a win.
The assistant coach also shared why goalkeeper Wardun Yussof was subbed off before the start of the second half despite the custodian being recalled in the starting line-up.
“Wardun had a problem with his knee and sadly he could not resume the game,” said the former national player.
DPMM FC import defender Vincent Salas was also taken off shortly after Hazwan Hamzah’s own goal, with Moksen far from impressed with the Chilean’s contributions.
“As a foreign import, he should be focusing on assisting the team and in turn it was disappointing. We decided to take him off,” he said.
He confirmed that the defender’s withdrawal was not because of injury reasons but a tactical decision.
Meanwhile, Tampines Rovers FC head coach Juergen Rabb was visibly pleased with his team’s performance and in the process of sealing second place and gaining qualification to the AFC Champions League Preliminary Round 1.
“I was very happy because sometimes it is not easy to play such a match in this position. The team knew if we win, we are certain for the second place,” the head coach said.
“DPMM FC, in this situation, has nothing to lose so I expect a difficult job for the team. The start was a little difficult for us and they were good for the first 10 minutes and we struggled because of that.
“We came back in the match and after the second goal, we controlled the match. It was a really good performance from the team and the result was thoroughly deserved,” he said.
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