Sarjit said he did not expect the Malaysian team to concede so many goals, attributing the loss to the players’ failure to control the defence.

“I did not expect this number of goals. The team’s defence structure completely collapsed, giving the opponents space to run wild at the Malaysian half,” he said in a statement shared by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation today.

But despite their defeat, Sarjit praised his team for being unafraid to adopt an attacking style of play against a higher ranked opponent.

“The players are actually capable of taking on the German team, but they are not very consistent and many things need to be improved.

“The coaching staff hope the players can rise and improve on the weaknesses that showed in the match against Germany,” he said.

The national team managed a consolation goal through Fitri Saari, who scored through a penalty corner in the 47th minute.

It was Malaysia’s second defeat in four matches after losing to Belgium in Antwerp on Wednesday.

The Speedy Tigers will rest for a day before going into action at the Gladbach Hockey and Tennis Club against Monchengladbach Club on Wednesday.