Pahang Rangers: Aiming for Futsal Glory with Double Triumph

From Triumph to Ambition: Exclusive Interview with Head Coach Gerard Casas at Pahang Rangers

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Pahang Rangers, under the guidance of Spanish coach Gerard Casas, have their sights set on achieving a historic futsal double. Following their triumphant victory in the Malaysia Premier Futsal League (MPFL), they are now laser-focused on capturing the Malaysia Futsal Cup.

This Monday marked a pivotal moment for Pahang Rangers as they secured the MPFL crown with an aggregate score of 9-6 over their rivals, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT). Despite a narrow 3-2 loss to JDT in the second leg at the Pasir Gudang City Council Stadium, Pahang’s commanding 7-3 win in the first leg sealed their overall victory.

Coach Gerard Casas commended his team’s outstanding resilience and character in clinching the MPFL title, particularly as they faced a formidable challenge from JDT. Casas expressed, “After enduring setbacks in past years, we have finally emerged as champions. With this triumph behind us, our focus has now shifted to securing the Futsal Malaysia Cup and completing our successful campaign this season.”

Pahang Rangers’ journey to the MPFL title showcases not only their exceptional progress on the futsal court but also their unwavering determination to overcome past hurdles. This recent victory is a testament to the team’s growth and evolution under Coach Casas’ guidance.

Faith and commitment to the process – Source of the image Pahang Rangers

With their eyes on a futsal double, Pahang Rangers are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the Malaysian futsal arena. Their quest for excellence, coupled with their coach’s strategic acumen, suggests that the Malaysia Futsal Cup could very well be the next chapter in their unfolding success story. As they continue their journey toward another title, Pahang Rangers’ commitment to futsal excellence is sure to captivate the hearts of fans and admirers alike.

To delve deeper into the triumphs and aspirations of Pahang Rangers under the leadership of Coach Gerard Casas, we were delighted to conduct an exclusive interview. In this insightful conversation, Coach Casas sheds light on the team’s journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their unwavering pursuit of futsal glory.

FF: Congratulations on Pahang Rangers’ extraordinary triumph in the Malaysia Premier Futsal League. Could you walk us through the cascade of emotions and thoughts that inundated your mind as your team secured the championship?

GC: The moment was a whirlwind of intense emotions, a fusion of immense joy and profound pride for the team. Alongside these feelings, there was also a palpable sense of relief that permeated through, stemming from the dedicated efforts spanning over three years that were invested in attaining this remarkable milestone..

FF: The path to success is often laden with obstacles. Could you elaborate on how your team navigated through previous setbacks and ultimately clinched the coveted MPFL championship?

GC: Undoubtedly, this season presented us with substantial and formidable challenges. We encountered the loss of eight players, each with national team experience, prior to the league—compounded by additional departures from the preceding year. This resulted in a notably leaner squad (only four new players were signed to replace the departing eight), which was also noticeably younger than the previous season. Despite external skepticism that seemed to cast doubt on our prospects, our collective perseverance and unity, cultivated over three years, proved to be pivotal in surmounting these hurdles and emerging as champions. The relentless daily grind and the camaraderie we fostered played a significant role in propelling us to this title.

 

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FF: Facing Johor Darul Ta’zim in the crucial second leg of the MPFL final demanded an immense display of determination. How did you inspire your players to deliver an exceptional performance despite the mounting pressure?

GC: In such instances, I believe the magnitude of the final itself serves as a formidable motivator. However, it’s essential to manage the players’ emotions, as heightened motivation and pressure can sometimes lead to overexcitement and anxiety. My focus centered on this aspect. I worked to reassure the players that victory was within our grasp and encouraged them to maintain a positive, confident, and mentally resilient outlook. Our shared conviction in becoming champions was a driving force. We acknowledged that challenges would arise, and it was imperative to be mentally prepared, standing united through the highs and lows, regardless of the ultimate outcome.

FF: Securing the Malaysia Futsal Cup would signify a remarkable futsal double for Pahang Rangers. Could you shed light on the team’s evolving preparation and mindset as you aim for this prestigious accolade?

GC: To be candid, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Our triumph in the second leg of the final came at a cost, with a significantly depleted squad due to suspensions stemming from yellow cards. Naturally, this took a toll on some of our players, leading to notable physical strain. Winning the championship on a Monday was immediately followed by the commencement of the quarterfinals on the subsequent Saturday, and that too in a different state. This condensed timeframe posed considerable mental and physical demands, especially in the aftermath of the heightened adrenaline and tension from the final match. Despite these hurdles, our determination remains unwavering as we continue to prepare and adapt our mindset, aspiring to clinch this esteemed title.

FF: Undoubtedly, coaching plays an instrumental role in shaping a team’s journey towards success. Could you delve into the strategic approaches and training methodologies that have underpinned Pahang Rangers’ progression and accomplishments?

GC: Since my arrival in Malaysia in 2020, my coaching philosophy has undergone significant transformation. Coming from a country with a robust futsal grassroots structure, where youngsters begin learning the intricacies of futsal from an early age (I myself started at the age of 4), the approach at senior stages shifts. Here, the emphasis tilts towards honing individual foundations to cultivate players with astute adaptability across systems, bolstering the collective coordination and the game model.

Over the years with Pahang Rangers, my focus has progressively zeroed in on reinforcing these individual foundations. My aim is to nurture players equipped with a profound understanding of the game’s dynamics, allowing them to adeptly utilize tactical resources embedded within our game model. A cornerstone of this approach is fostering analytical prowess within the players. In our daily regimen, I continually engage them in reflective discussions, both within video sessions and on-court training. This practice empowers them to dissect the game, pinpointing challenges and opportunities, and crafting solutions.

This pedagogical methodology is crucial to me, as it ultimately equips the players to be decision-makers on the court, rapidly processing and analyzing futsal situations, unshackled from the coach’s guidance. This shift empowers them to truly embody the sport and contribute to its unfolding strategy in real-time.

FF: The trajectory of your team has been characterized by a profound journey of development and advancement. From your vantage point, how do you envision Pahang Rangers’ role in fostering the broader expansion and popularity of futsal within Malaysia?

GC: Futsal enjoys a devoted following and holds a special place in the hearts of Malaysians. However, in my assessment, it has yet to receive the institutional support and organization it truly merits. Remarkably, futsal courts dot the landscape, and every evening witnesses countless individuals engaging in spirited social games. Yet, it’s disheartening that a country with such inherent passion lacks formal grassroots futsal competitions, depriving youngsters of structured opportunities to regularly embrace the sport.

It is in this context that Pahang Rangers and fellow prominent clubs wield significant influence. These entities hold the potential to catalyze transformation within Malaysian futsal. By fostering an environment that nurtures the sport at its grassroots, these clubs become drivers of progress, aiding futsal in surging ahead. Through initiatives that resonate with the community, and by channeling their influence, Pahang Rangers and their counterparts can indelibly shape the future of futsal in Malaysia, steering it towards broader recognition, participation, and excellence.

FF: As the Malaysia Futsal Cup approaches, how do you manage the team’s expectations and strike the delicate balance between ambition and focus?

GC: I’ve consistently emphasized to my team the importance of staying true to our identity and the journey that led us to become champions. It’s imperative to remember that merely considering ourselves the superior side in terms of talent won’t secure victory. Our path to the league championship was paved by fierce competition and superior gameplay against our adversaries. To maintain any chance of success, we must persist in this approach.

We interviewed Coach Gerard Casas before the Malaysian Futsal Cup Semi-Finals kicked off and as you can see they have won the first league 7-0. Source of the image: Pahang Rangers Instagram

FF: Nurturing a mindset geared towards triumph is pivotal in coaching. How do you foster unwavering confidence and unyielding determination in your players, all while ensuring they remain grounded?

CG: My approach centers on infusing constant confidence into my players, fostering belief in their abilities, and kindling their passion for futsal. This positive atmosphere is underpinned by the understanding that personal growth translates to collective success. While boosting their self-assurance, I also hold them to a high standard of commitment and ongoing self-improvement, always with the betterment of the team at the forefront. Upholding a robust work ethic is non-negotiable in my coaching philosophy, a trait that cements their growth trajectory while keeping them rooted in the essence of the sport.

FF: What message would you like to convey to the dedicated fans, ardent supporters, and budding futsal players who view Pahang Rangers as a beacon of inspiration?

GC: Our gratitude knows no bounds for the remarkable fans who stand by us. Our stadium comes alive with the fervor of three thousand supporters during the entire playoffs – a testament to their unwavering dedication. Their spirited presence not only resonates at home but also accompanies us on away matches, making an indelible impact on the team’s spirit. To each and every supporter, we extend our heartfelt thanks.

Highlights of their recent win in the Malaysian Futsal Cup Semi-Finals