KUALA LUMPUR: Timor Leste coach Norio Tsukitate revealed on Friday that he left out several seniors as they were in bad shape due to their love for whiskey.
He disclosed this after his young team were thrashed 7-1 by Malaysia in a pre-World Cup first leg qualifying match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Tsukitate said his 23-member squad here comprise the best available players from a limited pool.
“It’s very difficult to select players in Timor Leste because their domestic league season goes on for only five to six months after which they (the players) do nothing but drink whiskey and other alcoholic drinks... they do not train.
“That’s why some are not in good condition. Instead, I chose young players.”
The former Laos and Bhutan coach admitted that his team will face another tough encounter in the return leg on Tuesday.
“I think the next match will be difficult as Malaysia have good technique. I hope my young team will gain from these matches,” he added.