Johor Darul Ta’Zim head coach Xisco Muñoz has labeled tomorrow’s AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 League Stage (East Zone) clash against Vissel Kobe as a “magic night,” urging his squad to show their true character against the best team in Japan.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri Xisco was transparent about the challenge ahead but remained defiant, insisting that JDT must play with a “big personality” to secure three vital points in the East Zone League Stage.
Xisco emphasized that the atmosphere at SSI—which he described as a “magic stadium”—will be JDT’s secret weapon. He is counting on the home crowd to provide the energy needed to take “one step forward.”
“Tomorrow is an important game for us, a magic night. Our stadium is magic. When we have this power and everybody comes inside with this energy and intensity, it gives us a player more.” — Xisco Muñoz
The Southern Tigers will have to navigate this “final” without two key pillars due to disciplinary issues: Jonathan Silva is unavailable due to a red card, and Oscar Arribas is sidelined following a combination of yellow cards.
Despite these absences, Xisco was quick to remind the media of the depth at his disposal. “We are lucky; we have a big squad with good levels. Tomorrow, we will choose the best one to put in these positions. Whoever plays will give 100%,” he added.
One of the biggest talking points remains: Who will start between the sticks? With three high-level keepers in Syihan Hazmi, Cristian Abad, and Andoni Zubiaurre, Xisco admitted the choice is a “difficult” one.
Xisco didn’t shy away from the “small details” that have cost JDT in previous continental outings. He pointed to the loss of concentration early in halves—specifically mentioning goals conceded just seconds after the restart in previous matches.
“We need to mature the situations. In some moments, we need to kill the game. In this type of game, small details change everything. We need to stay concentrated for 90 minutes,” Xisco warned.
Credit Photo : JST
