Harimau Malaya coach Ong Kim Swee has returned from London with a fresh perspective, after more than four months away from his team.

The Malacca-born coach said he had learnt so much from his one-month stint with the Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in London, from Feb 7 to March 8 this year.

"Yes, I have learnt so much. There are things I can do (with the team) and there are things I can't do.

"The good ones, I'll use. But despite all this, the players' confidence and attitude should always be positive," Ong told reporters before the Harimau Malaya's training session at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya late yesterday.

He added that it is important that the players accept the new methods.

"If they can accept and learn the new methods quickly, I believe what I learnt will add to our advantage," Ong explained.

The national squad is gearing up for the friendly match against the Philippines on March 22 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Previously, Malaysia was scheduled to go against North Korea at Pyongyang for the Asia Cup Finals. However, the game has been postponed due to the strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"My concern is, as long as the safety of the officials and the players are guaranteed, then we will (go against them, the North Koreans). But if our government says we shouldn’t go, then we wouldn't.

"I believe football (has) nothing to do with this issue," Ong told reporters.

The coach spearheading the Malaysian football team had recently lost his father, on March 7. However, he stressed that it was his duty to train the team and he would fulfil it.

"When something is bound to happen, it gives a different impact. But now, we have to work together to train our team and this game (against the Philippines) is as important as any game.

"Despite being apart for four months... this is another test. What is important is that we maintain our ranking. Despite not playing for four months, our ranking is the same. I believe if we played before, our ranking would have improved.

"So, we should not undermine the game against the Philippines," Ong added.