Sathianathan defiant after FA Cup exit
ATM coach B. Sathianathan was in defiant mood after his side were knocked out of the Malaysia FA Cup by Selangor on penalties last Friday.
By FOX SPORTS staff
The Gladiators found themselves 2-0 up inside 26 minutes in their first-round encounter thanks to goals from Marlon Alex James and Affize Faisal, but Afiq Azmi netted a quickfire brace shortly before the hour mark to force extra-time and penalties.
Eventually, Bruno Martelotto missed the crucial kick for ATM to send them out of the competition but Sathianathan was insistent his team had been the better side on the night.
"I'm just glad that we were stronger and played better," he said.
"We conceded two goals in the second half and other teams would have dropped their heads but our boys kept going and we were just unlucky.
"I think we'll learn from this. We should kill off our opponents when we have the chance and focus more when we're leading.
"We started the second half badly but credit to the boys, they came back very strong. I think they [Selangor] hardly had a shot on goal and we were controlling the game but sometimes luck just isn't on your side."
Despite the disappointment of being eliminated from the cup, ATM can still be pleased with their start to 2013 as they are currently second in the Super League, two points behind leaders Pahang.
And with the Super League on a break due to the international round of fixture until the third week of February, Sathianathan admits it will be a good chance to provide his players with some much-needed rest before they resume their title challenge.
"I'll give the players a five-day break and then we'll resume training and focus on the league," he revealed.
"I also have a few players coming back from injury and I think we'll be stronger then."
One player that could give the ex-Malaysia boss a headache in a good way is midfielder S. Thinagaran, who put in an accomplished display in the middle of the park and earned praise from his coach.
"He [Thinagaran] has been injured for a long time and I'm happy for him after his performance," Sathianathan added. "He's a very good player."
ATM resume their campaign on February 15 away to Negri Sembilan.