Beginnings as coach Rajagopal started his coaching career in 1990 with
PKNS He also had stints as a club coach with
Selangor FA and
Kelantan FA.
Malaysia He was appointed coach for the young
Malaysia U20 team from 2004 until 2006, and the Malaysia under-19 (known as
Harimau Muda A) from 2007 to 2009. After the victory, Rajagopal earned the nickname "King Gopal". In July 2009, Rajagopal coached Malaysia in two games against English champions
Manchester United, lost in both matches 0–1 and 2–3. Rajagopal also led the national football team to win the
2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, the first time Malaysia won the championship since its inception in 1996. His philosophy of changing the tactical approach from a defensive to an offensive playing style has been rewarded in this victory. His young team has shown a high standard of football possession, good defensive structure, and clinical finish en route to clinch the title. His contract was not renewed at the end of 2013. Despite some rumours citing him to be appointed as the head coach for the
Vietnam national team, it does not come to fruition.
Sarawak FA In a press conference in September 2015, it was announced that Rajagopal had been appointed as head coach of
Sarawak FA, beginning in December 2015. His contract was terminated the following year, on 7 May 2016, after the team's poor performance, which finished at the bottom of the league.
Return to PKNS Rajagopal was announced as the new head coach of PKNS on 22 November 2017.
Brunei On 1 December 2020, Rajagobal was announced by the
National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam to be the head coach for the
Brunei national team on a two-year contract. In January 2022, he left his post without ever taking charge of a single international match for Brunei due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. == Awards and recognition ==