Daniel Gimenez says Negeri Sembilan FC need time to build, before Sabah FC visit Seremban

Daniel Gimenez, head coach of Negeri Sembilan FC, says the only pressure he feels is to give his best in training every day for his players. He was speaking to MFL ahead of the Malaysia Super League match against Sabah FC in Seremban on 17 October.

The Spanish coach told MFL the season is still long and that his side have only just begun. Building a team with new ideas, new players and new coaches takes time, he said, and the hard work done together will pay off sooner or later. He added that he is trying to enjoy the process and be part of the club without any pressure.

Negeri Sembilan FC are eighth of 12 in the Malaysia Super League table, with four points from four matches and 11 behind the leaders. Their one league win so far, 3-0 against Kuala Lumpur City on 22 August, was awarded because the match did not take place, according to MFL. They then lost 2-1 at Melaka FC on 30 August, drew 2-2 with Star City FC on 5 September and lost 3-0 to Johor Darul Ta’zim in Iskandar Puteri on 11 September.

Gimenez also spoke about Aboubakar Kamara, the French-born forward who has joined the squad, calling him an important addition who gives the attack more options. Kamara had been training with the group for only a few days and still needed time to adapt, the coach said, though his attitude, energy and professionalism were speeding that up. At the time of the interview, Gimenez said it remained to be seen whether Kamara could be named for the Sabah FC match. The club set out Kamara’s eligibility for the match in a separate post.

Negeri Sembilan FC host Sabah FC at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Saturday 17 October, with kickoff at 5pm Malaysian time.