Much to shout about for Tampines, thanks to Milos Zlatkovic and Shuya Yamashita

SINGAPORE – It is not uncommon to see Tampines Rovers centre-backs Milos Zlatkovic and Shuya Yamashita squabbling on the pitch.

Unsuspecting observers may think that there is bad blood between the duo, who often raise their voices at each other but, at the end of the day, they share the same aim – to win.

With the pair keeping things tight at the back, the Tampines’ faithful have much to shout about this season. The Stags have recorded seven clean sheets in 12 matches to help them mount a strong challenge for the Singapore Premier League title.

This is in stark contrast to last term, when they finished third after keeping only four clean sheets in 28 league matches.

Zlatkovic, who joined from Maltese side Balzan earlier this year, insists he is good friends with Yamashita despite the heated exchanges.

“When we argue on the pitch, it doesn’t mean we don’t like each other,” said the Serb, 26.

“Sometimes he makes a mistake and then we argue, but it’s no bad blood, you know? Speaking on the pitch is important.”

Yamashita, who is in his second season with the team, added: “Sometimes, for example, when he tracks back late or goes too high up, I’ll shout at him. When I make mistakes, he also shouts at me. For us, it’s normal on the pitch.”

Coach Gavin Lee, who set his team a target of keeping more clean sheets this season, has been impressed that the pair have “put their egos aside and found a way to work with each other”.

“Even though both don’t have a good command of English, they support each other. They also hold each other accountable. That helps set the standards,” he said.

The duo, who stayed together until Zlatkovic’s family arrived in Singapore recently, insist that their bickering does not continue off the pitch.

Yamashita, 24, also praised his defensive partner, saying that they “always cover for each other, and have a good combination”.

The pair, who are flanked by right-back Irfan Najeeb and left-back Glenn Kweh, are keen to attribute their miserly backline to a collective effort.

Zlatkovic said: “The team play in a very compact manner at the back. Our defence starts from our attack and everyone is involved in our defending.”

Yamashita said their playing style is also important, as they “keep the ball well, which limits opposition chances”.

Goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari, who has racked up six clean sheets, expressed delight to have surpassed his tally of four from last season.

“This was something that we talked about as a team this season. Last season, we conceded too many goals, causing us to drop points,” said the 30-year-old.

A stern test awaits Tampines as they visit third-placed Lion City Sailors at Bishan Stadium on Wednesday, but Syazwan believes the team are aware of their opponents’ threats. He said: “We know what to expect from them. We just have to prepare well.”

Lee labelled the Sailors as “direct opposition”, saying: “Playing against them makes us excited. But we just have to focus on ourselves, neutralise their strengths and capitalise on their weaknesses.”

The Stags are second in the standings after defending champions Albirex Niigata beat Geylang International 3-0 on Tuesday night thanks to goals from Shuto Komaki, Seia Kunori and Keito Komatsu at the Jurong East Stadium.

The Japanese side are top with 30 points, one more than the Stags.

In the other game at Jalan Besar Stadium, Young Lions let slip a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 against Tanjong Pagar. Elijah Lim’s brace and Jared Gallagher’s strike were not enough as the Jaguars levelled through Faizal Roslan, after an earlier goal by Blake Ricciuto and an own goal from Jun Kobayashi. Shakir Hamzah then scored an 89th-minute winner.

Brunei DPMM v Hougang United, Wednesday, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar

The Cheetahs will be buoyed by three consecutive wins. On the other hand, DPMM languish in eighth and have not won in three games. The Bruneian outfit, with just 19 goals scored, will look to add some spark to their attack, while Hougang will want to register a shut-out again.