Negeri Sembilan FC head coach Nidzam Jamil has called for stronger mentality and sharper concentration from his players following a frustrating result against Imigresen FC in the Liga Super 2025-26 (LS18) fixture at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, on 21 February.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Nidzam was candid in his assessment of the team’s performance, admitting that the outcome was not what the squad had hoped for.

Playing with 10 Men: A Demanding Challenge

Addressing questions about whether the players had failed to follow tactical instructions, Nidzam firmly dismissed such claims.

“There is no issue about players not following instructions or misunderstanding their roles,” he explained. “The challenge was the physical and mental demand of playing 70 to 75 minutes with 10 men against 11. We do train for these scenarios, but no matter how much you prepare, it is never as easy as it looks on paper.”

The head coach acknowledged that his players gave everything to protect their advantage, but once again, the team conceded in the closing stages — a recurring theme in recent matches.

“We tried our best to defend the one-goal lead. But again, concentration in the last five minutes cost us. These small details, which I’ve mentioned since the beginning of the season, will be a long-term learning process for us.”

Late-Game Concentration a Growing Concern

Nidzam did not shy away from identifying mentality as a key area for improvement.

He described his side as “a bit naive” in containing the opponent’s attacking movements and noted how the team’s character shifted once the opposition equalised, suddenly chasing the game instead of managing it.

“These are values we need to improve. The mentality part has to improve.”

When pressed further about repeated late goals conceded around the 85th to 90th minute mark, Nidzam highlighted the psychological dimension of the issue.

“It’s about personality. Sometimes one personality affects another. But this is very technical and internal. As a team, we must focus 100 percent for the full 90 minutes. We cannot allow lapses.”

He added that if players feel under pressure, they must learn how to close out matches effectively.

“I say this every week. If it keeps happening, I don’t have many excuses left. We have dropped important points in the last few games due to these moments. I’m not happy — but we must improve.”

On the Red Card Decision

The match also saw a key sending-off incident, and Nidzam was clear in his view of the decision.

When asked whether the red card should have remained a yellow, he responded decisively:

“It’s a red card. No question about it.”

While he felt there were other situations where his team might have benefited from different decisions, he emphasised that such calls are technical in nature and must be respected.

“The referee was good. We cannot question technical decisions. The distance between the action and the goal was far, so we understand.”

A Call for Growth

Despite the disappointment, Nidzam’s message was not one of blame, but of growth. The recurring issue of late concessions has now become a focal point for improvement, particularly in terms of game management and psychological resilience.

For Negeri Sembilan FC, the path forward is clear: sharper concentration, stronger collective mentality, and the ability to control matches under pressure.

As the Liga Super campaign continues, the Hobin Jang Hobin faithful will expect a response — not just in tactics, but in character.

Nidzam Jamil expressed satisfaction with Negeri Sembilan FC’s defensive organisation and game management after holding Imigresen FC to a 0–0 draw in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash in the Piala Malaysia 2025–26.

The encounter, played at Stadium Negeri Pulau Pinang on 17 January, saw Negeri Sembilan FC adopt a measured and disciplined approach away from home against a dangerous Imigresen FC side, prioritising structure and game control amid a demanding run of fixtures.

Speaking after the match, Nidzam stressed the importance of understanding the dynamics of two-legged cup competitions, referencing previous lessons where opportunities at home were not fully maximised. This time, the emphasis was clear: remain compact away from home and set the stage for a decisive second leg in Seremban.

“This is a cup competition. You must know how to manage the first game away and the second game at home,” said Nidzam. “We respected Imigresen FC and their attacking threats. They have players who can hurt you if you lose focus. From that perspective, a goalless draw is a fair and positive result.”

The head coach also highlighted the physical demands faced by his squad, revealing that five to six changes were made to the starting line-up due to a congested schedule of three matches in seven days. Fatigue played a key role in the tactical approach, with Negeri Sembilan opting to sit in a compact mid-block rather than applying constant high pressure.

Despite the absence of goals, Nidzam pointed to several encouraging signs. Negeri Sembilan created chances, hit the woodwork twice, and limited Imigresen FC’s opportunities, with goalkeeper Aqil producing a composed performance to secure a valuable clean sheet.

“We didn’t concede, and that’s something important,” he said. “Our defensive shape was good. This is also one of the few matches where Imigresen didn’t score, and that shows our discipline.”

Nidzam also praised the performances of squad players, singling out Amirul Adli for his contribution, as well as Mio Tsuneyasu, who was handed a starting role. He emphasised the importance of rotation and squad depth during a physically demanding period, while acknowledging that some players were carrying heavy workloads following recent league fixtures.

Addressing questions over the team’s attacking output, Nidzam remained confident that the goals will return, stressing that attacking success is a collective responsibility rather than solely on the strikers.

“Attack as a team, defend as a team. We’ve scored more than 20 goals in the league,” he explained. “Just because we didn’t score in the last few games doesn’t mean we are weak. What’s important is that defensively, we are improving.”

He concluded by reaffirming his focus on player recovery, injury assessments, and preparation for the second leg, where Negeri Sembilan FC will look to capitalise on home advantage and progress to the next round.