KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor's surprise 1-0 loss in the Klang Valley derby at KLFA Stadium yesterday was not due to the 'off field distraction' of their poor cousin KL City.
This was the response from Red Giants head coach, Nidzam Jamil today.
Nidzam said his team were not distracted by KL City's issue of unpaid salaries to their players which has hit the headlines.
"If we let off-field stories about KL City influence us, it would be detrimental to our performance.
"Teams facing adversity often play with a renewed spirit and can outperform stronger opponents," he said, alluding to KL upstaging Selangor.
"We could have prevented that KL goal, but there was a slight misunderstanding," said Nidzam.
Despite retaining second place in the Super League, the defeat leaves Selangor six points behind leaders Johor Darul Ta'zim while KL City rose to fourth place.
Meanwhile KL City's coach, Miroslav Kuljanac, expressed pride in his team's performance despite their salary woes.
"I told the players that we are professionals, and we must play regardless of the circumstances. I congratulate them for their hard work and victory. It wasn't easy, but we didn't give up, and the result shows that determination," said Kuljanac.