KUALA NERUS: Terengganu are so determined to improve their Super League standing that they have given their players just one day off for Hari Raya.

Coach Badrul Afzan Razali has told his squad to return to training on the second day of Raya, insisting they must sacrifice time with their families to be fully prepared for their crucial clash against Selangor on April 5.

The Turtles are fifth in the Super League with 32 points, while second-placed Selangor have 46.

With Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) already crowned champions for the 11th consecutive season, teams are now fighting for the third and fourth positions.

Selangor have already secured the runners-up position in the league.

Kuching City and Sabah are tied on 36 points in third and fourth, leaving Terengganu needing maximum points from their final three games to stand a chance of breaking into the top four.

"We are in a critical phase. We have already been overtaken by Kuching and Sabah, who are four points ahead of us," said Badrul Afzan on Sunday.

"Like it or not, the players must sacrifice their Raya break this time to prepare for the crucial match against Selangor in Shah Alam."

The former Terengganu midfielder also warned his squad to watch their diet during the festive period and maintain their fitness levels.

He urged them to remain focused and disciplined in the remaining league matches, stressing that anything less than victory would likely end their hopes of finishing fourth and qualifying for the Asean Club Championship.

"There is no margin for error in the next few matches," he said, adding that striker Ivan Mamut is unlikely to feature due to fitness concerns.