Partiban still getting used to new role at the back

Source: The Star

PETALING JAYA: It is a season of adjustment for J. Partiban (pic) as Kuala Lumpur coach Miroslav Kuljanac has had to play him at wingback position due to an injury crisis to his fullbacks.

With wingbacks Kamal Azizi Zabri and Anwar Ibrahim recovering from injuries, the 31-year-old Partiban, known for his pacy runs on the flanks, is now also doing the hard work in defence.

In the first two Super League matches, Partiban was deployed as a left wingback and showed his willingness to overlap and also press wingers with his speed and movement.

But the position is still new to him and he knows work has to be done on the training ground to ensure he gets the role right in future matches.

"I would fancy being a winger but the coach needs me as a wingback, so I will do my best in that position. Against Penang (KL drew 1-1), I was right wingback and against JDT (KL lost 1-5), I was left wingback," said the former Terengganu and Kedah player.

"The role is different because you have to be good defensively. It is an adjustment because I am an attack-minded player, so in terms of defence, there is a lot of work to do.

"Sometimes I do tell the gaffer (Kuljanac) to go easy on me because I have never played this role before.

"When I was on loan in Kedah last year, I did play one game in that position but it was just 15 minutes.

"I'm learning and I know at my age, versatility would be good to prolong my career."

The player, fondly known as Parti, said his teammates have been a guiding force in his move in his new role.

Especially during defensive transitions, he has been asking for guidance from the other defenders.

"The likes of GG (Giancarlo Gallifuoco) and Declan (Lambert) have helped during matches, told me where to position myself and always covered me whenever I miss a tackle or interception.

"My adaptation is made better by my teammates. Without them, I would not be able to play this role.

"But I need to learn on my own too, so, during training sessions, I learn ways to hold the defensive line better and make the right interceptions.

"It does give me a boost because I am versatile now. I hope to get better when the season resumes after the international break."