No coaching job without pressure, says Nidzam

PETALING JAYA: Nidzam Jamil (pic) is back in the hot seat after four years with his team Selangor but it will not be easy.

The 43-year-old has been chosen to replace Tan Cheng Hoe, who is now coaching Police Tero in the Thai League.

The last time the former Malaysian international was a head coach was in 2020 when he trained Felda United.

Training a side with a huge fan base can be an intimidating task but Nidzam said anyone associated with the Red Giants must be accustomed to the huge responsibility.

“Every job has its pressure. A postman, a policeman and even teachers when handling students. As a football coach, there will be pressure for sure, it’s expected,” said Nidzam.

“In Selangor, there will be no days without pressure. We will be assessed every day.

“I still remember during my playing days, the late Ken Worden saw me and said, I think Nidzam, you are going to play well this week. I asked why? He said for the last one week, he had observed the way I walked and talked. He said I looked confident.

“So, everyday as a coach now, I will be monitored in Selangor. It’s normal. But it’s with this pressure, I think, we can go far.”

While calling himself an old-school coach, Nidzam said he wanted players with good character.

“Everybody talks about possession and transition football, but it depends on the players we have at our disposal.

“I’m a little old school. I’m from Kajang. I like a person with character. What can make our team go forward is the right character. We need winning characters and right mentality.

“I like a player who goes out of his way for his teammates. I like a player who is willing to hit the wall for his team. I want everyone to support each other. I want a player who is soaked wet from top to bottom when he leaves field after a game.

Nidzam said he had a team with good mix of young and old players.

“We will see their dynamics of the team before making any changes. It is always about the players first, then the coaches. I hope the players will be open to new things.”