MALAYSIA will likely prepare for their Asian Cup Qualifying Group D match against Bahrain on Oct 15 behind closed doors as team manager Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal does not want the players to be distracted.

The national players will report for centralised training after the Malaysia Cup quarter-final second leg on Oct 5 before they head to Shanghai for a friendly against the United Arab Emirates five days later.

“We plan to train in isolation after our return from Shanghai. The players need to focus on the Asian Cup Qualifier as we need to beat Bahrain at all cost,” said Subahan after the launch of the Fifa Futuro III Grassroots Instructors Course in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“We will check into at a hotel and will not entertain visitors. We need everyone to be mentally ready. I am confident we can get a favourable result.”

Malaysia are third in Group D behind leaders Bahrain and Qatar following a 2-1 win over Yemen in March. K. Rajagobal’s future as national coach also depends on his team’s performance in the qualifiers.

“Bahrain are one of the best teams in Asia but they are not invincible. We have the ability to beat them and earn three points. A good result will set us on the right course towards qualification,” said Subahan.

He also touched on the importance of grassroots development in local football.

“Instead of playing the blame game, the sports ministry and education ministry along with FAM must work collectively. We need to improve grassroots development.

“I noticed that the concerned parties have been finding fault with each other of late. This is not healthy. In my opinion, schools must play an important role to develop the game but some do not even have basic facilities,” he added.