PAROI: Negri Sembilan coach K. Devan hopes that their fans don't simply criticise the team without really knowing the "internal struggles" that they are facing.
Devan feels helpless that Negri are unable to "compete" with the top Super League outfits due to lack of foreign signings in the team.
Devan made known his frustration after the Deer were eliminated from the FA Cup following a 3-1 loss to Selangor in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Paroi.
Responding to criticism of his team, Devan said: "I want to ask the fans how was our achievement last year?
"What's the main problem? No one wants to talk about it but everyone keeps saying our results are disappointing.
"Give me some imports first, then comment.
"One of my legs is tied down while the other teams play with two legs.
"If you give me five imports but we lose, then you can blame us.
"The outsiders don't know what our problem is, but the media can ensure they do (by writing about Negri's situation).
"Without imports, our performance is dented compared to the likes of Selangor and Kedah. We want to compete but we lack quality.
"If there's less quality and there's only our spirits, it's not enough. If it is, we would be in the Olympics," he added
Against Selangor, Negri played with only three foreigners in Levy Madinda, Safuwan Baharudin and Anselmo Arruda da Silva.
At the other end, Selangor have eight imports, including Venezuelan Yohandry Orozco who scored a brace (60th and 87th minute). Selangor captain Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi also scored in the third minute. Singaporean Safuwan struck for Negri in the first minute.
Selangor coach Tan Cheng Hoe said: "After we conceded a goal in the first minute, it only took about two-three minutes for Selangor to equalise, so that gave us the confidence.
Cheng Hoe also praised his men for their character and strong teamwork against Negri.