KUALA LUMPUR: Hockey legend Datuk Sri Shanmuganathan has urged fans to give national coach Sarjit Singh more time despite Malaysia's disappointing performance at the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy (ACT).
The former national captain believes Sarjit needs at least nine more months to address the team's shortcomings, as calls for drastic changes grow louder.
"It's unfair to attack him," Shanmuganathan told Timesport.
"As a former coach, I know how hard it is. Sarjit needs time to fix the problems. There's no quick fix, and he needs support from everyone."
While upset with Malaysia's performance in China, where the Speedy Tigers failed to reach the semi-finals, Shanmuganathan insists disbanding the team would be a mistake.
"I'm very sad about their performance, but we shouldn't disband the team. They need to focus on the basics when they return to KL," he said.
"If the players aren't ready, they shouldn't be playing in tournaments. Ranking doesn't matter as much as Olympic qualification. Play only when you're fully prepared."
Shanmuganathan also stressed the importance of veteran input and urged state hockey associations to do more to develop talent.
"There are many veterans who have played in the Olympics. They should all be invited to give their views on improving the Speedy Tigers' standard.
"We also need the states to organise their own leagues to find and nurture talent. Currently, players are picked from the Malaysian Hockey League by national selectors," he added.