Two weeks to form a squad

Interim head coach of the Malaysian national football team, Harimau Malaya, Tan Cheng Hoe, is facing a race against time to prepare his squad for the upcoming ASEAN Cup 2026, which kicks off in less than two weeks. With a mere nine to ten days for intensive preparation, Cheng Hoe describes the limited timeframe as the biggest challenge for the coaching staff in their bid to assemble a formidable team capable of competing in Southeast Asia.

The primary focus during this brief period is ensuring all players can quickly adapt and develop chemistry, fostering a cohesive unit that can execute the team's desired playing style. "The available time is indeed very short, and it presents a major challenge for us," Cheng Hoe stated during the national squad's first training session. "The coaching staff must concentrate fully on ensuring every player can be integrated into a strong team."

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The available time is indeed very short, and it presents a major challenge for us. The coaching staff must concentrate fully on ensuring every player can be integrated into a strong team.

Beyond team integration, Cheng Hoe highlighted that many players are still not at their peak fitness or performance levels, requiring daily monitoring. The coaching team is also emphasizing tactical aspects, game structure, and ensuring players understand their roles on the field. He urged players to remain focused, recognizing the importance of representing their country on the international stage for personal and career development.

Cheng Hoe admitted that the current challenge differs significantly from his previous tenure leading Malaysia in the 2018 AFF Cup, where the team reached the final. Back then, he had a longer preparation period. This time, many called-up players are relatively new to international competition and are in a learning process. "The challenge this time is indeed different because many players are still raw in international matches," he said. "However, I see they have a strong desire to succeed and achieve something in their careers. That is a positive sign because the players' spirit and determination are crucial in building a competitive team."

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The challenge this time is indeed different because many players are still raw in international matches. However, I see they have a strong desire to succeed and achieve something in their careers. That is a positive sign because the players' spirit and determination are crucial in building a competitive team.