Kim Pan-gon, the head coach of Harimau Malaya, Malaysia’s national football team, has opened up about the immense pressure he faces in his job. The South Korean coach, who took charge of the team in January 2022, has led them to the 2023 Asian Cup, where they faced tough opponents such as Jordan, Bahrain, and South Korea.
Despite the difficulties, Kim Pan-gon expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team and contribute to the growth of Malaysian football. He said that he has proven his dedication and optimism in the last two years, and that he believes he can give the best thing for the future as well.
“As a coach, all the pressure on my shoulders from tournament to tournament, but I believe I proved in the last two years to give the best to Malaysian football, so I convinced myself that we can give the best thing for the future as well,” he said at a pre-match press conference before the match against South Korea1.
However, he also admitted that he has to overcome a lot of negative things, fear, and criticism that come with his role. He said that he has to be strong and positive to run the team, and that he is ready to face any consequences if something happens.
“I need to take out all the negative things, fear, all I need to take it out. I need to be strong and positive to run the team. Sometimes there is a lot of pressure but I have to overcome, but if something happens (sacking) that is my destiny, so as a coach I always need to be ready,” he said1.
Kim Pan-gon also called for the fans’ unconditional support as Malaysia dreamt of a ‘miracle’ against South Korea, who were the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists. He said that the fans should not lose hope in the ability of Harimau Malaya, and that they should be proud of their achievements.
“Malaysia is not a big country in football, but we have shown our potential and quality in this tournament. We have played with passion, spirit, and courage. We have made history by qualifying for the Asian Cup for the first time in 40 years, and we have given our best in every match. We have nothing to lose, and we have everything to gain. We need the fans to be behind us, to cheer for us, to support us, no matter what the result is,” he said2.
Unfortunately, Malaysia’s dream of a ‘miracle’ did not come true, as they lost 0-4 to South Korea in their final Group E match. The loss meant that Malaysia finished at the bottom of the group with zero points, and failed to qualify for the round of 16 for the first time.
Kim Pan-gon took full responsibility for Malaysia’s failure in the Asian Cup, and said that he raised the expectations too high. He also thanked the players, the staff, and the fans for their efforts and support.
“I am very sorry for the fans, for the country, for the players, for everyone who supported us. It is not anyone’s fault but mine, as I have raised the expectations too high. I have to accept the reality and the responsibility. I want to thank the players for their hard work, their sacrifice, their dedication. They have shown their quality and their character. I want to thank the staff for their professionalism and their cooperation. They have done a great job. I want to thank the fans for their love and their passion. They have been amazing. I hope they will continue to support Malaysian football in the future,” he said3.
Kim Pan-gon’s future as the head coach of Harimau Malaya is uncertain, as his contract expires in December 2024. He said that he will discuss with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) about his future plans, and that he hopes to continue his project with the team.
“I have a contract until the end of this year, and I will talk with the FAM about my future. I hope to continue my project with this team, as I believe we have a lot of potential and talent. We have a young and promising squad, and we have a good chance to qualify for the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers. We are leading our group with six points, and we have two more matches to play in March. I hope to finish this job, and to achieve our goal of making history for Malaysian football,” he said1.
Kim Pan-gon, who was born in Jinju, South Korea, in 1969, has a rich experience in football management and coaching. He holds the AFC Professional Football Coaching Diploma, which is the highest football coaching qualification in Asia. He has worked for various clubs in the Korean League, and has also served as the manager of the Hong Kong national team and U-23 team. He won the 2010 East Asian Football Championship with Hong Kong, and also led them to the 2015 Asian Cup. He currently resides in Hong Kong with his wife, son, and daughter.
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