PETALING JAYA: It has been anything but smooth sailing for Police coach Eddy Gapil (pic) in the build-up to the new Malaysian Super League season, but he’s not one to complain.

With the new campaign just weeks away, Eddy has had to juggle limited resources, the late arrival of imports, and the departure of key players.

“Pre-season is a little different this time around because we are still waiting for some players, which I hope will be sorted by this week. But we’re used to thriving on adversity,” said Eddy.

“We’ve been dealing with challenges since day one and it’s nothing new.”

The attacking department took a major hit during the off-season, with Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi and Nigerian striker Ifedayo Olusegun leaving the club.

“It’s a big blow to lose both Eky and Dayo. They were our focal point in attack. But this is football, players come and go. Our job is to rebuild and move forward,” he said.

To make matters more complex, most of the team’s imports have yet to report for training, with several expected only arrive end of this week.

So far, only Myanmar midfielder Kyaw Min Oo, Jordanian midfielder Fadi Awad and new South Korean centreback Park Tae-su have joined the squad, offering a glimpse of the international quality Police are hoping to add.

“We’re cutting it close with time. We’ve only got a month to put everything together, but we’re making the most of it.”

The club are currently conducting trials and has entered Phase Two of pre-season, which includes police officers and local talents.

While names are still being finalised, three new imports are already locked in with Ivorian striker Henri Doumbia, Jordanian playmaker Ali Israiwah, and an unnamed Cameroonian player.

They will join Min Oo, Tae-su, and Awad to form a core of six foreign players tasked with transforming Police’s fortunes.

With the imports arriving late, Eddy has leaned heavily on his local players to shoulder the early load.

Former Malaysian international Irfan Fazail has taken on the leadership role in midfield, while Badrol Affendy Fadzli anchors the defence.

In goal, the team can opt for Norhakeem Hamidin and former Kedah custodian Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim, both of whom have impressed in training.

“We’re getting good intensity from the local boys. They know what’s at stake, and they’ve responded well.”

While they’re aiming to climb the table this year, Eddy is clear-eyed about the team’s minimum target.

“The least we want is to stay in the league. That’s the foundation. But with the right chemistry and commitment, we can aim higher than last year.”