Malaysia needs a Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger to rebuild.

Ex-coach Rajagobal states that FAM needs a leader with the stature of Mourinho or Wenger, emphasizing wisdom, bravery, and long-term strategic planning in the reconstruction period.

In the context of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) entering a turbulent transition phase, former Malaysia national team head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal believes the country’s football needs leaders of high stature, similar to Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger—strategists renowned not for their playing careers but for their intellect and strategic foresight.

According to Rajagobal, modern football is no longer a game of past fame but a competition of management mindset, resilience, and long-term planning. He cited Arrigo Sacchi, who never played at the top level but built AC Milan into a dominant European force before leading Italy to the 1994 World Cup final.

Similarly, Mourinho lacked a notable playing career but conquered numerous domestic titles and two Champions League trophies with Porto and Inter Milan through sharp tactical thinking. Wenger is also regarded as a great reformer in English football by introducing science, structure, and long-term strategy into club management.

“There is no use dwelling on the past. What matters is the future direction,” Rajagobal emphasized, amid FAM’s recent crisis when the entire board resigned on January 28, during an unresolved issue involving seven naturalized players and FIFA.

According to the former Malaysia head coach, the rebuilding process cannot be a “quick counterattack” but must be a long-term campaign requiring patience and trust. He asserted that the next FAM leader does not necessarily have to be a former player because what Malaysian football needs now is deep knowledge, clear strategic thinking, and strong determination.

“This is a huge responsibility. Leaders must possess knowledge, intelligence, and strong courage,” Rajagobal shared, while refusing to name any specific candidates. At this pivotal moment in Malaysian football, the call for a capable “architect” to shape the future has become more urgent than ever.