Lee Chong Wei's former mentor Misbun Sidek has backed the three-time Olympic silver medallist's ambition to venture into coaching but discourages him from accepting any offer in Malaysia.
Misbun, a former national No 1, believes Chong Wei should go abroad and coach in a few countries first to prove himself before looking at coaching in the country.
Former world No 1 Chong Wei had revealed to Timesport that he had received coaching offers from several Asian countries. He disclosed that he was in discussion with some of the countries.
There have only been a handful of former greats who have gone on to replicate the same success as a coach, with the exception of Li Yongbo of China and Park Joo Bong of South Korea, and Chong Wei will be aiming to join the exclusive club.
However, Misbun was quick to point out that Chong Wei, despite possessing all the experience accumulated from his illustrious playing career, will have to build his credential in stages.
When asked if Chong Wei would make a good coach, said Misbun: "I can't be sure about it, but for a start, he can definitely be a good game analyser. Being a top player himself, that's his forte.
"But to be a full-fledged coach, he needs time and more (coaching) experience. As a coach, you need to develop your player to excel physically, mentally, tactically and technically.
"You need to reach a certain level to teach (badminton effectively).
"For now, for him to begin as an advisor or analyser, that shouldn't be a problem."
Misbun explained that starting abroad would be an ideal move for Chong Wei as a rookie coach.
"By coaching abroad, he would command respect from his employer and players there.
"The foreign coaches always get that, for instance, the Indonesian coaches who work here" said Misbun.
"When you get the respect, it breeds confidence in you to carry out your duty well.
" If he starts here (in the national team), he will be judged on his coaching style, and people will start comparing him with the existing coaches. That's my thought."
Nevertheless, Misbun is happy to see Chong Wei giving coaching a shot.
"This is a sport he loves. It would be great for him to share and pass down his skill and knowledge to whom he wants to," said Misbun.
Misbun is best known for guiding Chong Wei to a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the first of his three near-misses at the quadrennial Games.