KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese coach Katsuhito Kinoshi's tactics translated into Selangor's 5-1 win over Kelantan Darul Naim, but his comments about the club's fans raised eyebrows.
A fan group, UltraSel, expressed their displeasure with Kinoshi's puzzling statement after the first leg of the Challenge Cup quarter-finals at MBPJ Stadium on Thursday.
The Japanese had said he did not want to address the fans at that moment.
UltraSel posted on X: "I don't want to talk to fans right now - Kino-san". The remark drew criticism from the group.
However, during the post-match press conference, the 60-year-old Kinoshi said he wants to win for Selangor fans.
"We can show our style and give success to the supporters, give them a win. We did that today and we're satisfied," said Kinoshi who highlighted the importance of the fans despite his earlier comment.
Against Kelantan DN, Selangor scored through Ronnie Fernandez (second and 74th minutes), Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (37th and 48th) and Quentin Cheng (80th minute). Kelantan's consolation goal came from Arif Amiruddin (70th).
Kinoshi, who replaced Nidzam Jamil as head coach on Nov 23, has had a mixed start to his Selangor job. Under him, the Red Giants were knocked out of the Malaysia Cup and AFC Champions League 2 in less than a month.