Peter Cklamovski: If people feel I've disrespected FAM, I apologise

Malaysia’s national football coach Peter Cklamovski has apologised if his earlier comments were perceived as disrespectful towards the FA of Malaysia (FAM). The Australian clarified that his Oct 9 statement – in which he said the “mess” that led to Fifa sanctioning FAM and seven ‘heritage’ footballers was FAM’s doing, and not Tunku Ismail Ibrahim’s – was not meant as an attack on the national body.

“I didn’t mean any disrespect to FAM at all,” he told reporters earlier today.

“In fact, I didn’t say anything different from what they themselves stated. They released a press statement last week – I’m just referring to that. I don’t know anything beyond what was said publicly.

“So, my statement wasn’t about disrespecting FAM. But if people feel I have, I apologise. It wasn’t my intention. And I definitely didn’t say anything new.”

Cklamovski made the clarification ahead of Malaysia’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Laos at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow. Malaysia defeated Laos 3-0 on Oct 9.

He stressed that his comments were meant to highlight Tunku Ismail’s influence and contribution to Malaysian football.

“Look at the facilities he (Tunku Ismail) provides, the professionalism he demands. The support structures off the field – the charter flights, the hotels, the training fields – all reflect his commitment and belief in us,” said Cklamovski.

“Without TMJ (Tunku Ismail), where would Malaysian football be? That was my message. It wasn’t about disrespecting FAM. In fact, I’ll say it again – if TMJ weren’t here, Malaysian football would have been finished a long time ago. That’s the point I was making.”

He described the current national squad as a team “we are very proud of internally”.

“I’m not here for myself; I’m here for the country. If people don’t like me, that’s fine. I’ll keep doing my job the way I have been. If there’s anything in my way as national coach, I’ll cut it down to move forward and achieve progress for Malaysian football.

“I’ve shown that before – everything I do is based on what’s best for the national team and for football in Malaysia. It’s as simple as that.”

On tomorrow's match against Laos, Cklamovski said: “We’re looking forward to it. We’ve prepared well, and we’ll use the next day of training to fine-tune everything. We’re working hard for another victory – working hard to make the nation proud.”

He added that the off-field controversy would not distract the team.

“We understand there’s a lot of noise, but it has nothing to do with the national team. It doesn’t affect my mindset or the players’. We’re focused on what we’re building – and what we’re building is something special.

“I see it in the players’ eyes, their hearts, their minds. We’re determined and focused on another strong performance to make the nation proud.”