Johor Darul Ta’Zim Head coach, Xisco Muñoz praised the resilience and belief of Johor Darul Ta’zim after the Malaysian champions secured a historic place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26.
Despite suffering a 0–1 defeat to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the Round of 16 second leg at Hiroshima Soccer Stadium, Hiroshima, JDT progressed with a 3–2 aggregate victory, becoming the first Malaysian club to reach the last eight of Asia’s premier club competition.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Muñoz admitted the match was always expected to be challenging against the Japanese side.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game,” said Muñoz.
“We spoke yesterday about their quality, especially in set pieces like penalties. But the most important thing is that the team continued with the same power, the same intensity and the same belief in what they are doing.”
The Spanish tactician emphasised that maintaining composure and confidence throughout the match played a key role in ensuring the Southern Tigers held on to their aggregate advantage.
Muñoz also highlighted the significance of the achievement for the club and Malaysian football.
“At the end of the day, we make history,” he said.
“One club from Malaysia has qualified for this stage of the competition. That is a very positive thing.”
The JDT boss acknowledged that there are still areas for improvement but stressed that reaching the quarter-finals demonstrates the club’s growing strength on the continental stage.
Muñoz also took the opportunity to credit the long-term vision behind JDT’s rise, particularly the leadership of the club’s owner, Tunku Ismail Idris.
“I’m very happy, first for the boss, because this is a big project that has been built for a long time,” he said.
“Today he showed everyone that the club belongs at a high level.”
The coach also reserved special praise for his players and the entire team staff.
“The most special thing is for the players because they give everything. The players and the staff work extremely hard.”
Muñoz acknowledged the physical and mental challenges the team has faced throughout the season, with constant travel and demanding schedules.
“It’s a hard season. We travel a lot and work a lot for this situation,” he added.
“For me as a coach, it’s a pleasure to see the team achieve something like this.”
Credit Photo : JST
