Expect goals and attacking football from Tanjong Pagar, says new interim coach Hyrizan Jufri
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Tanjong Pagar United interim head coach Hyrizan Jufri says the team will adapt a more attacking style of play.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
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SINGAPORE – With about a third of the 2024-25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season gone, Tanjong Pagar United are rooted to the bottom of the nine-team table with the fewest number of goals (16) scored.
In an attempt to turn their fortunes around, the struggling Jaguars appointed Hyrizan Jufri as the new interim head coach on Sept 1, replacing Hasrin Jailani.
While this is the 53-year-old’s first head coach appointment in the SPL, he is already determined to implement an attacking style of football, even as he starts his stint against second-placed Lion City Sailors at the Jurong East Stadium on Sept 14.
“We’re going forward more to score goals,” said Hyrizan, who signed a four-month deal. “So I might take some risks on the defensive side. So you will see more forward play up front and for us, it’s just about looking for the goals.”
Hyrizan is not an unfamiliar name for some, having played for Tanjong Pagar in 2000 and 2001. He also had stints as the assistant coach of Hougang United and Tampines Rovers in 2012 and 2013.
He will be relying on his knowledge of Tanjong Pagar, having coached several players from his time at the Singapore Sports School and the national youth teams.
He believes his players are capable of executing what he wants despite poor results so far.
“If these players sign as professionals, they are born to play football, simple as that,” Hyrizan said. “In terms of their technical and tactical ability, they should be able to play.
“It’s only the confidence and composure that may be lacking a bit, so that’s what I need to help them hopefully develop and in that way reach their full potential, especially for the younger ones.”
Hyrizan revealed he accepted only an interim role as he had another commitment with the Singapore Recreation Club. Hasrin will remain at the club as technical adviser.
He said the former coach’s role is to “be (my) right ear”, adding: “I will make the decisions but it’s good to have these kinds of voices coming in to help the cause.”
Captain Akram Azman admitted the team “didn’t know (the coaching change) was coming”, but will give Hyrizan their support.
The defender, 23, said: “He’s got his points and his style of play across pretty well to us, and now it’s just up to us to execute, because we have no problem understanding the concepts that he wants us to play.
“(Whether) things will change, I don’t know, because he’s still new and we can’t expect a huge positive outcome from the start, but all I can say is that we’re working towards a good progression in the future.”
Captain Akram Azman said the team were caught by surprise when they found out about the coaching change but will give Hyrizan Jufri their support.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
Sailors coach Aleksandar Rankovic is well aware of the threat the Jaguars possess. He added: “Every new coach will try to bring in his own philosophy and I’m sure he’ll be trying to make it difficult for us.”
Stressing that Tanjong Pagar are “committed to a comprehensive youth development strategy”, chairman Raymond Tang said: “Our recent performances have not met expectations, and the management believes it’s time for positive change.
“The interim nature of coach Hyrizan’s appointment reflects the fact that we are mid-season. Our immediate focus is on stabilising the team and giving coach Hyrizan the support he needs to implement his ideas.
“In the coming year, the club also has a long-term plan for the coaching team.”
On Sept 13, Ismail Sassi netted in the 100th minute to rescue a point for Balestier Khalsa in a 2-2 draw against Brunei DPMM at Jalan Besar Stadium.
DPMM’s Hakeme Yazid struck first, before Riku Fukashiro scored for the Tigers. Gabriel Gama bagged the game’s other goal.
Tampines v Young Lions (Sept 14, 6pm, Jalan Besar)
The league leaders have dropped points in two straight games. Coach Gavin Lee must inject fresh attacking ideas into the squad against the Young Lions, who suffered a 7-2 defeat by Balestier.
Geylang v Albirex (Sept 15, 6pm, Jalan Besar)
The Eagles’ intensity and aggressiveness showed in their comeback 2-2 draw against the Sailors, and they will want to bring that against Albirex, who still show signs of weaknesses.
