KUALA LUMPUR: Saving injury-stricken Ng Tze Yong's career is one of Kenneth Jonassen's immediate priorities as he begins his tenure as the new national singles head coach.
Jonassen, the former Denmark head coach, officially assumed his role with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) today.
He stressed that he will have a candid discussion with Tze Yong to understand the shuttler's concerns and offer the necessary support.
On Friday, national coaching director Rexy Mainaky revealed that Tze Yong remains haunted by the fear of re-injuring his back.
Once ranked world No. 18, Tze Yong's struggles began with a back injury sustained at the Malaysia Open in January, last year.
A recurrence during the Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam a month later led to two surgeries.
The 11-month layoff has seen him drop to world No. 202, with concerns now focused on whether he can revive his career.
"Working with Tze Yong will be one of my immediate tasks," said Jonassen.
"If his body holds up and he has the motivation, there is a way back for him. He has shown great resilience in the past, and I see no reason why he can't make a comeback.
"Players who undergo surgeries naturally become cautious about returning to the highest level. There's hope as long as he can meet the physical demands of being a top men's singles player. "However, even a strong mind can falter if the body doesn't cooperate.
"I need to hear from him directly about how he feels because only he truly knows how his body is reacting."
BAM has already withdrawn the Johor Baru-born shuttler from the Malaysia Open next week and the India Open on Jan 14-19.
Meanwhile, Jonassen began his first job outside Europe by addressing players and coaches during a training session today.
"It's always been a dream to perform well in Malaysia, whether as a player or now as a coach. I'm eager to get started," he said.
"I aim to blend some of the ideas that worked for Danish players with the Asian style to benefit the men's and women's singles players."
Jonassen will work with K. Yogendran and Alvin Chew for the men's singles, while Jeffer Rosobin and Misbun Ramdan will assist him with the women's singles.