Rashid reminds players not to get carried away
News 4:32 PM
MALAYSIAN players have been asked to keep their feet on their ground after surviving a pulsating Thomas Cup quarter-final tie against Denmark.
National singles chief coach Rashid Sidek does not want the players to be over excited after succeeding to overcome the odds last night.
He said that the team would have to turn their full attention on taking down China in the semi-finals tomorrow.
“They have to calm down and look at the challenge ahead. It will be much tougher,” said Rashid.
“We failed to make the semi-finals in 2000 on home ground but we have done it this time and will have to look beyond.”
Malaysia had suffered a demoralising first-ever defeat in the Thomas Cup Finals by Japan in a group tie on Tuesday but they rose to the occasion to eliminate Denmark.
“I am proud of the players. Today, they showed the meaning of true grit and determination. They lifted their performances when it mattered most,” said Rashid.
“I hope they will continue to show full commitment. It is not the time to take it easy and be satisfied with what they have done.
“A bigger battle is ahead and China are the ones to beat on Friday. They are the favourites and it will take more than what we gave (against Denmark) to get past them.”
Rashid urged the team to keep the 1992 spirit alive in them. Then the underdogs, Malaysia went on to win the Cup.
“The team have repeated a little of what was achieved in 1992. Then the team lost to South Korea in the group tie but showed their wrath against Denmark by winning 5-0. The team went on to beat China (in the semi-finals) and now, we must do the same,” he said.
Skipper Lee Chong Wei said the win had fuelled the fire in them to continue with the good run against China.
“We did not blame anyone after the defeat by Japan. We continued to support one and another. And today, we managed to do the unexpected. I am very happy for the team,” he said.
“It will not be easy against China but we will be ready.”
National singles chief coach Rashid Sidek does not want the players to be over excited after succeeding to overcome the odds last night.
He said that the team would have to turn their full attention on taking down China in the semi-finals tomorrow.
“They have to calm down and look at the challenge ahead. It will be much tougher,” said Rashid.
“We failed to make the semi-finals in 2000 on home ground but we have done it this time and will have to look beyond.”
Malaysia had suffered a demoralising first-ever defeat in the Thomas Cup Finals by Japan in a group tie on Tuesday but they rose to the occasion to eliminate Denmark.
“I am proud of the players. Today, they showed the meaning of true grit and determination. They lifted their performances when it mattered most,” said Rashid.
“I hope they will continue to show full commitment. It is not the time to take it easy and be satisfied with what they have done.
“A bigger battle is ahead and China are the ones to beat on Friday. They are the favourites and it will take more than what we gave (against Denmark) to get past them.”
Rashid urged the team to keep the 1992 spirit alive in them. Then the underdogs, Malaysia went on to win the Cup.
“The team have repeated a little of what was achieved in 1992. Then the team lost to South Korea in the group tie but showed their wrath against Denmark by winning 5-0. The team went on to beat China (in the semi-finals) and now, we must do the same,” he said.
Skipper Lee Chong Wei said the win had fuelled the fire in them to continue with the good run against China.
“We did not blame anyone after the defeat by Japan. We continued to support one and another. And today, we managed to do the unexpected. I am very happy for the team,” he said.
“It will not be easy against China but we will be ready.”
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 4:32 PM.
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