KUALA LUMPUR: National caretaker coach Pau Marti Vicente is set for a baptism of fire as he leads Harimau Malaya against the Philippines in their Merdeka Tournament clash at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
Vicente, who was appointed following Kim Pan Gon's resignation in July, will face the same opponents his predecessor encountered when he began his tenure with a 2-0 win over the Azkals on March 23, 2022.
That victory ended Harimau Malaya's winless streak against the Philippines, dating back to June 2012, and set the tone for Pan Gon's successful reign with Malaysia.
All eyes will be on Vicente to see if he can follow in his former boss's footsteps, but the Spaniard insists he's not overly focused on the pressure.
The 41-year-old coach has been given until December to prove his capability as head coach.
"Honestly, there's not much time for me to think about the pressure. For the last five days, we've been training and talking to the players about how to play, attack, and defend," said Vicente at the pre-match press conference at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
"I'm glad there isn't much time to dwell on the pressure of my first match as caretaker coach.
"We are ready, and the players know their responsibilities. We play for the fans, and we want to deliver exciting and quality football."
Vicente, who served as Pan Gon's assistant, has retained 18 of the 26 players from the previous squad.
Harimau Malaya are currently ranked No. 134 in the world, ahead of the Philippines, who are ranked No. 147.