Negeri Sembilan FC’s interim head coach K. Rajan struck a balanced tone following his side’s draw against DPMM FC, praising his players’ commitment while calling for sharper defensive discipline in the matches ahead.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the Liga Super 2025–26 clash (LS22) at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman on 12 April, Rajan described the result as “fair” despite believing his team had done enough to win. 

“We played well and followed the game plan. We created a lot of chances, but our opponent also defended well. I think today we were a bit unlucky,” he explained.

Attacking Positives, Defensive Concerns

Rajan was quick to highlight the attacking intent shown by his side, noting that the team controlled possession and consistently threatened in the final third. However, he did not shy away from addressing a recurring issue.

“Our defending side needs to improve because we concede goals too easily,” he admitted, pointing to lapses in defensive structure and communication as key areas requiring attention. 

Despite ongoing concerns about clean sheets, Rajan downplayed the narrative, arguing that the team’s attacking output must also be recognised.

“In football, it’s normal. People talk about conceding goals, but we are also scoring a lot. Still, we need to improve defensively—our shape, our communication, everything.”

Character and Fighting Spirit on Display

One of the standout positives for the interim coach was the character shown by his squad throughout the match. Rajan praised not only the players on the pitch but also the unity within the entire team environment.

“The boys showed good character. Everyone was encouraging each other—the players, the staff. We created many chances, and even the opponent had to clear several efforts off the line.”

Unbeaten Run a “Good Sign” — But Not Enough

The draw extends Negeri Sembilan FC’s unbeaten run under Rajan to four matches, a statistic he acknowledged as encouraging.

“Yes, it’s a good sign. We have scored around 10 to 12 goals and conceded only four or five. The team is getting better,” he said. 

However, the interim coach made it clear that progress alone is not the end goal.

“I am happy, but I want to win. I want three points. Still, for four games, this is a good sign for me and for my team.”

Looking Ahead

While the unbeaten streak reflects growing stability, Rajan’s message is clear: improvement—especially at the back—is non-negotiable. With attacking momentum already in place, tightening defensive organisation could be the key to turning draws into victories for Negeri Sembilan FC in the coming fixtures.