KUALA LUMPUR: Who is to blame for Selangor's humiliating 6-1 loss to Johor Darul Ta'zim in the FA Cup final on Saturday?
Inevitably, the coach is the usual suspect in the blame game.
There is now a cloud over Nidzam Jamil. Critics ask whether he has what it takes to guide the Red Giants.
Yet, the burning question remains - why are coaches shouldering the blame when it is the management's failures?
Nidzam. who took over as head coach in mid-March, guided the Red Giants to the FA Cup final. Sadly he won't be remembered for this feat, but for one of Selangor's darkest days in football.
Yet, a critical issue has been overlooked - the accountability of the club's management.
Former national footballer Azlan Johar said that the real issue lies with the management rather than the coaching staff.
"The focus should be on why the management, including the CEO and other executive members, have not been held accountable for the club's continued underperformance.
"If the wrong coaches are chosen, the management should bear responsibility and consider stepping aside," said Azlan.
Azlan believes that poor management practices are a significant factor in Malaysian football's struggles.
"Good management goes beyond just paying salaries. It's about ensuring the long-term welfare of players and coaching staff. JDT's success under Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim shows what proper management can achieve. In contrast, ineffective management in other clubs undermines progress and results," said Azlan.
He criticised the current Selangor setup, stating that if management is responsible for player acquisitions, they should align those decisions with the coach's strategy.
"A coach who is given players who don't fit his system is like a general sent into battle without the right equipment. There were tactical mistakes in the final, but if the management makes the decisions about player signings, they should also be held accountable for the results," said Azlan.