Coach Stange remains defiant amid criticism ahead of Syrian test

Coach Bernd Stange (right) facing criticism lately

Bracing the brickbats thrown at his direction following string of unconvincing results by the Singapore national team of late, national coach Bernd Stange remains defiant.

Speaking to the media before the start of the Lions' training session at the Jalan Besar Stadium, the 65-year-old German coach insisted his "passing-and-dominating" philosophy is the trend of world football these days.

"First, I have to correct that this is not Bernd Stange style of football, as this is how football is now played on international level with passing at high speed." stressed ex-Belarus coach on his theory that is the gauge of football nowadays.

"We must see this process as a long term one and not something we can do in five months time." he added.

Adam Swandi has been prominent in Stange's plan

A defeat in the penultimate showdown against the Syrians on this coming Tuesday will see the reigning Asean champions' hopes of qualifying for the continental marquee event evaporate.

Maintaining his usual optimism with cautious, Coach Stange said:"No one wants to play to lose a game, so long we follow our way and we'll get the results against stronger opponents,

"I saw the match against Jordan on video and it'll be very hard for us as both Syria and Jordan are one level up above that we consider ourselves the underdogs in the coming game against Syria.

Fadhil Salim ready to smother a shot from inside

"But we must be confidence and optimism as we want to win, so long we keep our defence compact and play the combination football against them."

Which in the meantime, it was also revealed by former Iraq coach that the upcoming SEA Games in Burma will be the "first test" to see if his theory works and inevitably unveiled some hints on who would be in his starting lineup, although Coach Stange claimed he has not decided on that.

MATCH INFO
AFC Asian Cup 2015 Qualifying Match between Singapore and Syria

• DATE: 15th October 2013
• TIME: 7.30 pm
• VENUE: Jalan Besar Stadium

TICKETS INFORMATION

Extracted from FAS FB page

Fans may purchase their tickets from the TicketBooth’s website, 12 TicketBooth outlets, or AXS machines island-wide until 4pm on match-day.

Ticket sales will resume on match-day from 4.30 pm at the Jalan Besar Stadium North Gate, subject to availability.

NTUC Union, HomeTeamNS and SAFRA members are entitled to a 10% discount on regular priced Adult tickets.

All ticket redemption (for online and AXS purchases) can be done at the 12 TicketBooth outlets during their operating hours or at the Jalan Besar Stadium South Gate on match-day, using the sales receipt.

Each patron is only allowed to purchase a maximum of 4 tickets.

The FAS requests fans to turn up early to avoid delays, as there will be enhanced security checks in place during match-day.

(Ticket Information extracted from FAS media release dated 8th October)