KUALA LUMPUR: Tajikistan's controversial coach Petar Segrt was at it again, this time rubbing Malaysia coach Kim Pan Gon's nose in after the Merdeka Tournament final yesterday.
Croatian Segrt was glowing and gloating after his team beat Malaysia 2-0 at the National Stadium.
Referring to the war of words between the two coaches on the eve of the final, Segrt said: "It's not important to speak big words in the press conference. You must show it on the field, that's the point of a team.
"Many coaches talk about winning, philosophy and character. I hope this guy who lost may have a good job next," said Segrt.
"Sorry to say this, but this match (against Malaysia) is only a training match before the Asian Cup, this is because the Asian Cup is more important for Tajikistan compared to the World Cup qualifier."
The 57-year-old Segrt had rattled the cage in the pre-match press conference by claiming that he was without 15 of his main players, and that he hoped to have a good referee who won't simply award penalties.
Pan Gon had hit back at Segrt, saying it is a bad habit for coaches to come up with excuses and be disrespectful to opponents, and that Segrt should stop "crying".
But Segrt had the last laugh as his central Asian team denied Malaysia their first silverware in 13 years with goals from Rustam Soirov (44th minute) and Shahrom Samiev (88th).
And after all his pre-final sniping at Malaysia at his press conference, the audacious Segrt said coaches must respect each other.
Look, who is talking?
Commenting on the final, Segrt said no one expected the "weakened" Tajikistan team (without 15 key players who could form their first 11 plus four good reserves) to win the match.
"We have amazing players, a lot of people were surprised because they didn't know these players, but they played well and were disciplined.
"This proves that Tajikistan children can play football."
Children? Trying to imply that Harimau Malaya lost to Tajik children?
Probably just another round of trash talk from the Tajikistan coach.