Captain Guaycochea lifts Perak again with inspiring display

PETALING JAYA: Captain and midfielder Luciano Guaycochea has shown good leadership qualities to spark a change in Perak’s performance.

On Wednesday, the Argentinian was instrumental again as Perak beat Penang 3-1 in their Super League match at the Perak Stadium.

The win came just a week after the team led by Guaycochea had upstaged Kedah 3-1 in the the Malaysia Cup round-of-16 first leg at the same venue in front of their home fans.

In the recent win, Guaycochea got the team off to a brilliant start when he scored the opening goal in the fifth minute and impressed with his visionary passing and movement.

The other goals came from Wan Zack Wan Haikal (23rd) and Seo Seu-nung (75th).

Penang pulled one back through Alif Ikmalrizal Anuar in the 74th minute.

Guaycochea said the winning momentum was good for the club after a poor start to the season and attributed their change of fortunes to Yusri Che Lah’s style of coaching.

“If a coach has an idea on how he wants the team to play and the players get it, it’s good,” said the 31-year-old, who joined Perak midway last year.

“The results are coming and the credit has to go to Yusri for his progressive way of playing the game. He has given us a lot of confidence.

“Not only that, our training sessions are intense, full of work rate. The results you see on the pitch are not because of luck but hard work.

“Imagine beating Kedah, a top-four side and then Penang, who are ranked higher than us in the league. That’s the progression and momentum we want.”

Guaycochea also praised wingers Zack and Firdaus Saiyadi for the team’s resurgence.

“Zack scored an amazing goal. Despite his injury problems, whenever he is on the pitch, he is a top, top player. I’m so happy that he is back in form again,” he said.

“Fie (Firdaus) joined us halfway through the season but knows the club so well because for most of his career, he had played for Perak.