Head coach Xisco Muñoz admitted he was deeply disappointed after Johor Darul Ta’zim suffered a 3-1 defeat to Buriram United in the first leg of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup 2025/26 semi-final at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Despite controlling large portions of the match, the Southern Tigers were punished by Buriram’s ruthless efficiency in transition and set-piece situations, leaving JDT with a difficult task ahead of the second leg in Thailand.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, the Spanish tactician acknowledged that the result was painful, especially after what he believed was an overall positive display from his players.
“This match felt different because we controlled the game, especially through our transitions on both wings and the combinations we created in midfield,” said Muñoz.
“Unfortunately, Buriram scored three goals. They punished us through quick counter-attacks and set-piece situations that ultimately made the difference.”
Muñoz pointed to the clinical finishing of Brazilian striker Guilherme Bissoli as one of the decisive factors behind the defeat after the forward netted twice for the Thai side.
“Before the match, I already spoke about the danger of Bissoli. We gave him space and he was intelligent enough to take advantage of the opportunities,” he explained.
However, the former Watford boss refused to single out any individual player for blame, insisting the mistakes came collectively from the team structure rather than one isolated error.
“I do not want to blame anyone for the goals we conceded because these were collective mistakes that started earlier in the play,” he added.
“It would not be fair to point fingers at any player.”
Muñoz also apologised directly to JDT supporters following a result that left the club facing a two-goal deficit ahead of the return leg.
“We need to analyse what happened and focus on how to improve the situation,” he said.
“Honestly, I want to apologise to the JDT fans because this is not the result we wanted.”
The JDT coach also revealed that injuries had significantly affected his squad selection, with key players Bergson da Silva and Natxo Insa both unavailable for the crucial encounter.
In addition, long-term absentee Romel Morales remains sidelined, further weakening JDT’s attacking options.
“The absence of Bergson and Romel clearly affected our attacking combinations,” Muñoz admitted.
Still, despite the setback, the Spaniard remains optimistic that JDT can fight back in the second leg at Buriram Stadium on May 13.
“We need to believe in ourselves and continue fighting,” he stressed.
“We fight for the JDT badge, for our character, our spirit, and our ambitions.”
“There are still 90 minutes left to play. We will go to Thailand and try to change the situation. I believe that if we have confidence, it is not impossible to produce a positive result.”
JDT now face one of their biggest continental tests in recent years as they attempt to overturn the aggregate deficit and keep their Shopee Cup final hopes alive.
Credit Photo : JST
