ISKANDAR PUTERI, Johor: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach, Xisco Munoz, described the club’s remarkable 109-match unbeaten run as the culmination of 12 years of sustained development, investment and belief in its project.
Munoz, who is in his second season with the Southern Tigers, said the achievement was not something that could be attained overnight, stressing that the club’s transformation over the past 12 years had laid the foundation for its current success.
The Spanish tactician said the club’s investment in facilities and its long-term commitment had enabled JDT to reach the highest level and make history in football.
“First of all, what I have in my mind is how difficult it is to arrive at this level. I think about 12 years ago when the boss took over the club, how he wanted to improve the club, develop all sports in Johor and how it was possible to arrive at this historic night.
“Boss, thank you for what you are doing because it is special. What he is doing for all our families allows us to enjoy this type of project,” he said at a post-match press conference after JDT defeated Kuching City FC 3-0 in the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Cup at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here on Friday night (Aug. 21).
On the victory over Kuching City, Munoz admitted that the match was a tough encounter, particularly as JDT only led 1-0 at halftime before scoring twice within two minutes in the second half.
He said Kuching City were a strong side with good defensive organisation, while JDT still had several areas to improve as the team continued to find their rhythm following the pre-season.
He added that JDT also needed to improve their ability to control important phases of matches, particularly when the team lost possession.
“I think the first 20-25 minutes we had absolute control of the ball. We cannot stay for a long time without the ball because we are a team that needs to manage this situation,” he said.
Munoz said the presence of four local players in the starting lineup was important in raising the standard of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) while also creating opportunities for young Malaysian players.
Looking ahead, Munoz said JDT would focus on recovering before preparing for their next Super League match against Kelantan, followed by PDRM the following Sunday.
Meanwhile, Kuching City head coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, described his side’s defeat as a valuable lesson, saying he was pleased with the players’ performance in the high-intensity encounter.
Aidil Sharin congratulated JDT on the victory, saying Kuching City arrived knowing the match would be difficult, particularly with several key players unavailable or lacking match fitness after missing the pre-season.
He said the team had already reviewed the mistakes made during the match and would work to rectify them, adding that Kuching City’s preparations had been affected by stadium renovation issues in Sarawak and a lack of high-intensity matches.
He said the team would now focus on their upcoming away fixtures against Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan, while strengthening the defence after deploying three foreign players at the back in the first half in a bid to secure at least a point against JDT. – BERNAMA
