KUALA LUMPUR: Incoming national coach Peter Cklamovski cannot afford to fail when he takes charge on Jan 1, with qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia set as his main target.
It is understood that the Australian will be accompanied by backroom staff from Japan, with a local coach to be named as his assistant.
Cklamovski's goals for the national team are ambitious, including breaking into FIFA's top 100 rankings.
Malaysia's Group F qualifying campaign kicks off against Nepal on March 25 next year, with Vietnam and Laos completing the group.
Football observer Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim said Cklamovski's key performance indicators (KPIs) are clear, and he is expected to deliver results in line with the national team's ongoing transformation.
"Cklamovski is part of the national team revolution, which has received a significant financial boost from the government," said Zulakbal, an Asian Football Confederation professional coaching diploma holder.
"I believe he has been briefed on the KPIs and accepted the job with a full understanding of the expectations. He will have access to state-of-the-art resources, including Johor Darul Ta'zim's facilities for national camps.
"He is also bringing in his own backroom staff and will have access to comprehensive sports science support, such as a psychologist, dietician and performance analyst.
"With several new naturalised players expected to join the squad, he will have strong resources at his disposal.
"All this investment should yield immediate results, and that is why I believe he must deliver," Zulakbal added.
Zulakbal noted that one of Cklamovski's major challenges will be adapting to Malaysia's football culture and addressing its unique issues.
"He needs to understand Malaysian football and overcome any obstacles he encounters.
"Having played in the 2024 Asian Cup, qualifying for the 2027 edition is a must. with substantial investment in the team, the expectation is clear — results are non-negotiable."