Give Him A Better Deal Or It’s No Deal For Gomez

Give Him A Better Deal Or It’s No Deal For Gomez - Mario Gomez (pic) may not be the national coach, after all.

The Argentine is said to be unhappy with the financial terms of his contract.

New Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said yesterday that the former Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach has asked for more money.

“It’s not confirmed ... he wants a better deal,” he said.

“For the short-term, I have a few candidates ... some people have asked me to look at coaches in Thailand.

“The problem is that some of them are heroes in their countries, but I want someone specialised in coaching.”

Tunku Ismail was elected unopposed on March 25 and immediately named Gomez as national coach – replacing Datuk Ong Kim Swee.

But now, the uncertainty surrounding Gomez’s appointment has thrown the future of former Kedah coach Tan Cheng Hoe in doubt as well.

Cheng Hoe had tendered his resignation as Kedah coach on April 1.

“It’s up to the new coach who he wants to pick as his assistant,” said Tunku Ismail.

“It’s not I who wanted Cheng Hoe ... I gave the mandate to Mario to find a local assistant.

“And Mario told me that Cheng Hoe is the best local coach in the country today.”

Tunku Ismail explained that his short-term plan for the national team was to appoint a foreign coach.

“My long-term plan is youth development,” he said, adding that this would involve getting clubs and state affiliates to work together.

Tunku Ismail also did not rule out the possibility of Malaysia qualifying for the 2026 World Cup since there will be more than 32 teams.

“People say that I am exactly like the old members of the association ... promising to take Malaysia to the World Cup. In 2026, there will more than 32 teams. It means there will be more quota for South-East Asian teams.

“But if you can dominate in South-East Asia, then you have a chance.

“If you can beat Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines, which I am very confident, we can do it.

“But we have to start now,” he said.