KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Cheng Hoe has denied speculation that his sudden resignation as Selangor head coach to join Thai club Police Tero is part of a move to another Malaysian Super League team.
The former national coach dismissed talk that the Police Tero job was just a "transit' before a permanent place with a Malaysian club in the south.
Cheng Hoe told Timesport yesterday he is aware that Police Tero are not in a good position in the Thai League 1 - they are 14th - but it doesn't mean there is no possibility of a contract extension.
"There's no truth to the rumour, it's not a transit," he said.
Cheng Hoe, who coached the Red Giants to second place in the Super League last season, said he had to make a very difficult decision in his sudden departure from Selangor.
He had to weigh the factors that Selangor will be playing in the Asian Champions League 2 for the first time since 2016 and that the team are in a good position to mount a strong challenge in the 2024-2025 Super League. And at the other end, Police Tero are a struggling team.
"It was a very tough decision because the RMS (Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah), players and coaching staff have been very supportive and I had a great 2023 season.
"The Police Tero offer came suddenly. It will definitely be challenging for me, but it has always been a dream for me to work abroad.
"With the blessing of RMS, I joined Police Tero. I hope this will also open doors for more Malaysian coaches (to work abroad)," said Cheng Hoe.
Cheng Hoe arrived in Bangkok on Thursday, and will lead
Police Tero against Nakhon Pathom tomorrow in his Thai League debut.
"Yesterday (Thursday) was the first time I spoke to the players. I do not want to put pressure on them. Football is not magic, you can't just come in one day, train for a day or two and immediately get a win.
"I know there are only two months left in the league. The management asked me to do the best to ensure the squad remain in the first division," said Cheng Hoe.
With 11 games remaining, Police Tero, with only 19 points from 19 matches, are battling relegation in the 16-team league.