The Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has broken his silence on Johor Darul Ta’zim’s recent Liga Super Malaysia match, where the reigning champions faced an intense challenge from Negeri Sembilan at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
In an exclusive interview on JDTTV, the Crown Prince of Johor (TMJ) shared his personal reflections after observing JDT’s early-season performances, acknowledging that the club is currently undergoing one of its most significant transitional phases in years — with nearly 70 percent of the squad refreshed and a new coaching structure in place.
While JDT has long been a dominant force in Malaysian football, TMJ pointed out that the draw against Negeri Sembilan, which saw the Southern Tigers concede three goals at home for the first time, was part of the growing pains of tactical adaptation.
“We have never conceded three goals at home, and that happened against Negeri Sembilan,” TMJ admitted.
“But it wasn’t because of the new players. If you watch the replay, it wasn’t a team mistake — it was down to individual errors.
“When you play with three defenders, you must drop back quickly and cover the space behind. If one or two players try to set an offside trap, you shouldn’t be doing that in a three-man defense. Since this is something new, perhaps a few players have yet to fully grasp the tactical approach set by the coaches.
“This will be improved, and I know they will get better.”
TMJ also stressed that his expectations for JDT this season are grounded in realism, highlighting that the club is not the only one making adjustments.
“My goals are rational,” he explained.
“Why did we only win 3-0 against Selangor? Why did we win just 5-3 against Negeri Sembilan? It’s not only us working to improve the team. Every team is preparing, every team is getting stronger.
“It’s not easy to maintain an unbeaten record for three seasons. The competition is also evolving.”
Despite the defensive lapses, TMJ expressed full confidence in his squad and coaching staff, reaffirming that JDT’s long-term strategy remains intact. With a new generation of players being integrated and tactical adjustments underway, the Southern Tigers remain optimistic about sustaining their dominance in both the Malaysian League and the AFC Champions League Elite.
Credit Photo : JST
