Chong Wei: ‘I hope to have my coach sitting behind me at the Malaysia Open’

Lee Chong Wei, who has been keeping close track of the news regarding his coach’s decision to quit (see related article here), said that he hopes to see BAM having the matter settled by the time he returns home from Taipei.

“I’ll try my best to not let this sudden news affect my preparations for the Super Series Finals, but I hope to see it being settled when I return,” said Chong Wei to Sinchew Daily.

The top Malaysian shuttler also indicated his consideration to follow his coach’s footsteps in leaving the national team during an interview with the local Chinese-language newspaper. He said, “Misbun’s coaching these years is the reason behind my success today. I’m very loyal to him and that is why I will follow him. I hope he’ll be by my side in the preparations in all tournaments until the London Olympics. He is currently very disappointed and quite unsatisfied about some matters. I will respect his decision and I hope BAM will do something about it to solve the problem. Now it’s not the time to put the blame on the coach. BAM should be supporting their coaches regardless of hard times or good times.“

Lee thinks that BAM is still unsatisfied with his performance and the titles he has won these two years. “They become unsatisfied just because of a single or two loses. They have not considered our feelings. BAM thinks that winning many titles is useless, even some players feels that they are not being respected but they never dared to voice out. That is why now I’m here to bring it up with courage.“

“I hope that BAM will review and settle the problem, for the sake of the country. I hope that in the Malaysia Open, my coach will sit behind me while I play.“

On the other hand, Misbun is still yet to give an explanation and a reason for his resignation. However, at press time, he had only replied by text, “I’m sorry. There’s nothing I would like to say at the moment. Probably next time. I wish everyone a Happy New Year.”

BAM manager Kenny Goh had then noted that both parties have decided to come to a conclusion on the problem before getting anything publicised. While, BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai said there is nothing to be fussed about in the case. “It is most important to calm down and work out on it within the next two days. We should not make emotional decisions at the moment. We will make everything clear in the next few days. BAM also hopes to know what exactly is going on.“

Not only BAM is kept in the dark it seems, as Misbun’s younger brother Rashid was also surprised by his brother’s decision.