Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Muñoz has underlined the significance of Wednesday’s Shopee Cup Group B clash against Shan United, calling it a defining moment in the Southern Tigers’ push toward the knockout stage.
Speaking during the official pre-match press conference ahead of Matchday 4, Muñoz stressed that the fixture represents more than just another group-stage encounter — it is a crucial step forward in the season.
“Tomorrow is an important game for us because we are at one point of the season where we want to give one step forward for the next round,” he said.
The match also carries added importance as JDT return to home soil after a long spell away, with Muñoz expecting the atmosphere at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium to play a key role.
“It’s important also because we play at home after a long time. We will have a good atmosphere and we continue with our idea,” he explained.
“Tomorrow we will try to give our best XI for this important game.”
JDT enter Matchday 4 with an encouraging record of two wins and one draw, placing them firmly in contention for qualification.
Muñoz believes the group-stage journey has been positive, particularly in home matches where the team has consistently collected points.
“It’s positive because the important games we play at home, we take the points,” he said.
However, he also reflected on their last outing in Cambodia, where JDT had to recover from a difficult first-half performance.
“We didn’t give our best performance in the first half, but we changed the game in the second half and recovered one point.”
With the group standings tightening, Muñoz admitted that victory over Shan United would place JDT within touching distance of securing a spot in the next phase.
“If tomorrow we take the three points, we are so close to staying in the next round,” he noted.
“We need to put our focus fully on the game.”
One of the biggest positives for JDT is the return of three important players, giving Muñoz more options as the tournament progresses.
Still, the Spanish coach acknowledged that their match readiness will determine whether they start or come off the bench.
“We recovered important players. Now we need to think about their capacity, how many minutes they can play,” he said.
“Maybe they start, or maybe they stay on the bench and come inside.”
Muñoz repeatedly emphasized the importance of JDT’s mentality from the opening whistle, urging his side to show personality and aggression in both attack and defence.
“The most important is how we start the game, how we show our character from the first moment until the last one.”
He also highlighted the need to be clinical when opportunities arise.
“When we have a chance, we need to kill the game.”
Muñoz described the Myanmar champions as a fast, energetic side capable of defending deep and countering quickly.
“They play very fast. They always run and run and run. They defend well,” he warned.
Against a potential low block, JDT will need patience and variation in their attacking approach.
“We need to be calm, move the ball from one side to another, and be vertical,” he said.
“We also try shots outside the box and one-touch finishing inside the box.”
Despite the pressure of qualification, Muñoz believes his squad is in a positive mood, especially with returning players rejoining training.
“Yesterday I felt them happy, with a very good mood. This is a positive.”
With qualification within reach, JDT’s showdown against Shan United is shaping up to be a turning point in Group B.
For Muñoz, the message is clear: focus, personality, and efficiency will decide whether the Southern Tigers take that vital step into the next round.
“Tomorrow is a true situation for us. We need to give one step more.”
Credit Photo : JST
