KUALA LUMPUR: While the Merdeka Tournament serves as a trial for national caretaker coach Pau Marti Vicente, the Spaniard hopes Malaysian fans will end their boycott and support Harimau Malaya.
As of Sunday, fewer than 1,000 tickets have been sold for the opening matches of the Merdeka Tournament at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
Tajikistan will take on Lebanon in the first match, followed by Malaysia's clash with the Philippines.
Malaysian fan clubs, including Ultras Malaya, have announced their decision to boycott the tournament on social media, citing various issues with the FA of Malaysia (FAM).
The boycott is not expected to end within the next 48 hours before the tournament unless FAM resolves outstanding issues with the fan clubs.
Vicente hopes fans will fill the 85,000-capacity stadium to support Harimau Malaya on Wednesday.
"I obviously want Ultras Malaya and other fans to support the team at the stadium. I want everyone to support us," said Vicente, who took over from former coach Kim Pan Gon on July 16.
"But at the end of the day, we are a football team, and our focus is on playing football.
"Our job is to prepare thoroughly, deliver our best performance, and hopefully, that will draw the fans back to the stadium."
Vicente's focus is on the match against the Philippines. A win might persuade fans to end their boycott and support Harimau Malaya in the final on Sunday.