The “Southern Tigers” are ready to roar, but head coach Xisco Munoz has sent a clear message: Do not blink.
As Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) prepares to host Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 (East Zone) tomorrow night, the Spanish tactician has identified one clear mission—defensive absolute discipline.
After a narrow 1-2 defeat to the Japanese giants in the group stage back in February, JDT knows that even a split-second lapse could be fatal.
The February 10 clash at the Edion Peace Wing Stadium still stings. Playing with 10 men early on, JDT fought bravely but were undone by Hiroshima’s high-intensity wing play. Xisco is determined to avoid a repeat.
“They play with high intensity and fast transitions on the wings. Our defense must be rock-solid,” Xisco warned.
Sanfrecce’s set-piece prowess and one-on-one quality are top-tier. Xisco insists JDT must dictate the tempo to keep the “Purple Archers” at bay.
“We are at home. We will use the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium atmosphere to our advantage, but we must stay concentrated. Set-pieces can be a trap.”
In a major boost for the Harimau Selatan, Xisco confirmed that Jonathan Silva and Oscar Arribas are NOT suspended. Despite rumors of yellow card accumulation, both stars are eligible to start—though Xisco is playing his cards close to his chest.
The Mind Games: “I have to be ‘secretive’ about who starts. If I tell you, the opponent knows my tactics! I am just lucky to have a squad where everyone is ready for the first XI.”
Credit Photo : JST
