CHANGSHU: National youth coach Ong Kim Swee is certain that his trainees are unfazed by the psychological attacks by Iraq ahead of their AFC Under-23 Championship Group C match at Changshu Stadium on Wednesday.
Kim Swee said his team are mentally prepared for the match, which he believes will be an fiery affair.
"To me, all these (attacks from Iraqi players) are just to throw us off psychologically. Our players are professionals, so it should not affect them
"We have to respect our opponents but at the same time we must also prove that we are mature on the pitch.
"Every match is expected to be tense, not just the one against Iraq but with Jordan and Saudi Arabia as well," said Kim Swee at the Hai Yu ground on Monday.
It was earlier brought to light that a number of Iraqi players had tried to provoke the national players by confronting them at the official players' hotel.
The situation gives an early indication of what to expect when Malaysia takes on Iraq first before meeting Jordan on Jan 13 and Saudi Arabia three days later.
Training went on as usual, and Kim Swee is sure that the squad will put up a good fight against the West Asian giants.
"There is nothing much that can be done right now, all the players are ready. Most importantly is for them to remain focused in the next 48 hours before the kick-off. I don't want anything unwanted to take place before that," added Kim Swee.
Translated from Harian Metro