KUALA LUMPUR: AS Sri Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad looks for a "10-ton trailer to park in front of goal" against Johor Darul Ta'zim on Wednesday, he knows that the Elephants will really need to punch above their weight against the Super League champions.
The type of performance dished out by Pahang in Kuantan against Penang yesterday, where they won by a solitary goal through a Kpah Sherman's penalty in the 49th minute, is definitely not enough.
Like JDT, Pahang have also gone on a great run, staying unbeaten in their last 11 matches.
However, Singapore legend Fandi admitted that he wasn't happy with how the game was played against Penang though he commended the team for their fighting spirit.
"Our performance wasn't so great, we're lacking in midfield because Sergio Aguero is injured.
"We created chances but we have lost three midfielders in Aguero, Stefano Brundo and Azam Azih (all down with injuries).
"Hopefully when we go up against JDT, things will be okay. But we're feeling down at the moment because our first eleven roster isn't always full," he said.
On the coming battle against mighty JDT, Fandi said: "If we need to put a trailer up front, we will."
Pahang are tied with Selangor on 25 points in the Super League table, but the Red Giants, who thrashed Perak 4-0 away, are second (plus five) on goal difference.
This has led to Selangor coach Tan Cheng Hoe feeling that his rebuilding of the Red Giants is on the right track,
Selangor ripped apart Perak with goals from Ayron Del Valle (40th and 70th) and Faisal Halim (45+1th) and Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (51th).
Meanwhile, despite their 3-1 win over Kelantan United, KL City coach Bojan Hodak said he will be sending another "love letter" (said to be his third) to the FA of Malaysia as he wasn't pleased with the referee.
"I think we deserved to win, but it wasn't easy to score against Kelantan United who are at the bottom but were never thrashed," said Hodak.
"This is all part of the game, nothing dramatic but I will write about the referee because I'm not happy, and will go through the proper channels as giving comments (in the media) would mean they cut my salary."
KL scored against Kelantan through T. Saravanan (17th), Sean Giannelli (23rd) and Paulo Josue (90+5th).
Kelantan replied through Devid Silva in the 34th minute.