Amri Yahyah: Kids Now Only Fight
Malaysian football veteran Amri Yahyah has expressed his concerns regarding the attitude of today's young players, criticizing their lack of discipline and tendency to challenge instructions from coaches and senior players. The former national team star, known for his professionalism and longevity in the game, believes that many of the new generation of footballers are not as dedicated as those in the past.
In a candid interview, Amri highlighted how football culture has changed over the years. He recalled that during his early days as a player, discipline and respect for authority were the foundations of success. However, he feels that these values are now fading among the younger generation.
"Back in the day, we listened to our coaches and senior players without question. If they told us to do something, we did it. But now, young players argue back, question decisions, and sometimes even refuse to follow instructions. This attitude is not good for their development," Amri said.
The former Selangor and JDT star, who has enjoyed a long and decorated career, emphasized that discipline is key to achieving success in professional football. He believes that many young players have the talent to go far but lack the right mentality to reach their full potential.
According to Amri, social media and modern lifestyles have contributed to this shift in attitude. He pointed out that many young players are more focused on personal branding, social media presence, and instant fame rather than putting in the hard work required to succeed on the pitch.
"Nowadays, some players care more about their Instagram followers than their performances in matches. They get distracted by fame and forget that hard work and discipline are the real keys to success," he added.
Amri also compared the work ethic of past footballers with the current generation, stating that older players had a greater hunger to succeed. He mentioned that in his early career, training sessions were taken seriously, and every player pushed themselves to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
However, despite his criticism, Amri acknowledged that there are still some young players who have the right attitude and potential to succeed. He urged them to remain humble, work hard, and always listen to advice from experienced figures in the sport.
Several football analysts have echoed Amri’s sentiments, agreeing that attitude and discipline play a crucial role in a player's development. While talent is important, a strong work ethic and willingness to learn from experienced mentors are what separate great players from the rest.
His comments have sparked a debate among Malaysian football fans, with some agreeing with his assessment, while others believe that modern football requires a different approach compared to the past. Regardless of differing opinions, one thing remains clear—success in football requires more than just talent.
Amri’s message serves as a reminder to young footballers that discipline, respect, and hard work are still the foundations of a successful career. Whether the new generation will take his advice to heart remains to be seen, but his words certainly provide valuable insight into the challenges facing Malaysian football today.
