National Football Team’s Fitness Programme a Welcome Innovation
JOHOR BAHRU, March 22 (Bernama) – Harimau Malaya midfielder Nooa Laine has spoken about the positive impact of the national team’s fitness programme, which was introduced by Dr Graig Duncan, head of High Performance and Sports Medicine for the national team.
Innovative Approach to Fitness
The heritage player believes that the introduction of the fitness programme is a new and innovative approach for the national squad. "I think it is a new thing for us. We’re doing wellness medical check-up every morning to see the fitness of players, and I think it really helps us to know what we should do in training and how we can improve our fitness and everything," he said at a press conference.
Adapting to Tactical Approach
Laine also praised the national head coach Peter Cklamovski’s tactical approach, saying that the players have been adapting well to the training sessions. "The last four days have been really good, really exciting. I think the training intensity level is very high and the coach and coaching staff really helped us to get to the next level and I’ve really enjoyed it so far," he said.
Game Against Nepal
On the upcoming game against Nepal, Laine emphasized that the South Asian team should not be underestimated, despite Harimau Malaya’s previous 5-1 win in a friendly match. "To be honest, I don’t know that much yet (about Nepal) but I think they’re playing against Singapore today. So, it is an important match for us to see how they play and prepare ourselves," he said.
Kickstarting the Asian Cup Qualifiers
Laine believes that the game against Nepal is crucial for Harimau Malaysia to kickstart the Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign. "We have to secure a winning start at home in the campaign," he added.
Fixtures
The team will face Vietnam on June 10, Laos (Oct 9 and Oct 14), Nepal (Nov 18) and Vietnam (March 31, 2026) in the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of the fitness programme and the team’s adaptability to the tactical approach are key factors in their preparations for the upcoming matches. As Laine emphasized, it is crucial for Harimau Malaysia to secure a winning start at home in the Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the national team’s fitness programme about?
A: The fitness programme is an innovative approach to improve the team’s fitness and performance, introduced by Dr Graig Duncan, head of High Performance and Sports Medicine for the national team.
Q: How has the team been adapting to the training sessions?
A: The team has been adapting well to the training sessions, with a high level of intensity and guidance from the coach and coaching staff.
Q: What is the importance of the game against Nepal?
A: The game against Nepal is crucial for Harimau Malaysia to kickstart the Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign and secure a winning start at home.