Robert Alberts
Datuk K Rajagobal
KUCHING: Robert Alberts insists that his main focus now is Sarawak’s preparation for the coming Malaysia Cup despite much speculation that he may be taking over as Malaysia national coach.
There are strong rumours at a number of Sarawak football fan sites in the internet claiming that the Dutchman is the hot favourite to become Datuk K Rajagobal’s successor.
Speaking to The Borneo Post yesterday, Alberts said that he has yet to receive any approach from the national team officials.
“If there really was interest in me … then I am honoured. Any local coach here in Malaysia would be proud to take on a national job,” he added.
The man behind Sarawak being crowned Premier League champions recently is known for his vast knowledge of Asian football, especially in the Southeast Asian region.
Besides Malaysia, he has had coaching stints in Indonesia and Singapore.
In 2002, he was also coach of the South Korean Under-17 squad for two years.
He is no stranger to the Malaysian national football set-up as he had a brief stint as the Malaysia junior team coach in 2007.
Alberts commented that any national job, especially the Malaysia job of head coach, will be weighed very carefully by any coach, more so someone like him who considers himself very much a Malaysian.
His wife is from Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
“Anybody in football knows that taking up a national job is a step forward. I am sure that Sarawak fans will understand should I be approached for the job,” he added.
Speculation on Rajagobal’s future is rife after the national team suffered a string of poor results, the latest being their lacklustre performances against club sides during a tour of Japan.
The national team is scheduled to return to Malaysia today.