ISKANDAR PUTERI – Perak FC lost to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 2-12 (aggregate 1-8) in the Semi-Final Malaysia Cup 2023 second leg today, Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, yesterday night.
“In reality, everybody knows how strong JDT is. Congratulations, JDT, to march on to the final. I don’t feel embarrassed based on what we have in our team. If you want to ask about quality, my team won’t reach the semi-final stage,” said Yusri Che Lah after being asked about the quality of the team today in the match.
“We came here not to lose 8-1, but if I knew we would lose so much, I would choose to park the bus. Whether I park the bus or not, I cannot satisfy everybody. Again, I don’t think we need to feel embarrassed because our opponent, JDT, is much better and stronger than us. I still respect the stronger team, and we must be realistic. Although 8-0 is a huge loss. Not everyone would be happy to lose 8-0 in a football match.”
“Everybody how capable and strong is JDT in the Malaysia Football scene. So what we were trying to do was to play well and defend well from the start. Everything was good in the team, but unfortunately, we lost Luciano. To players, do not feel embarrassed about the loss; with God’s will, we will return stronger.”
The team captain for Perak FC – Luciano Guaycochea, was suspended when he received a yellow card on the first leg of the Semi-Final Malaysia Cup 2023.
“Of course, no coach will be happy with the results like this. Again, everybody knows how strong JDT is. It is just about how many goals are conceded. No team wants to come here and lose by such a big score. All my players have given their best in the 90th minute, and that’s what we can and can do. This game would be a great experience for seniors and especially young players. Everybody will make mistakes. Just look forward to the next match.”
Perak FC will play against the runner-up of the Malaysia Super League, Selangor FC, on 25 November 2023. Yusri Che Lah said they must work hard and tidy up the issues. “We know that Selangor FC would love to collect the 3 points, but we have to streamline our team, and in God’s will, we will come back stronger.”
“JDT is the strongest team. I want to express gratitude to all my players themselves. With their progress shown, I am just helping them. But a loss today is just a common life in the world. We have to look at how we should build or fix our team to be stronger in future.”
