"Amazing to Coach These Machines" Xisco Muñoz Hails JDT Squad

Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Muñoz expressed deep satisfaction with his team's performance following their victory over Port FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Spanish tactician highlighted the players’ patience in breaking down Port’s compact defensive structure. Muñoz noted that facing a team utilizing a rigid low block—often with nine or ten players behind the ball—required intelligent ball movement to stretch the opposition.

"They understand they have patience in some moments of the game because they need to move and they are in a block and they need to move one side and the other side," Muñoz explained.

The coach also praised the tactical adjustments made in the second half. He emphasized that the introduction of more players into the penalty box and better utilization of lateral channels were key factors in overcoming the visitors’ resilience. Muñoz highlighted that creating overloads on the wings ultimately freed up space for Jonathan Silva to exploit.

However, the victory was slightly marred by an injury to key striker Bergson da Silva. Muñoz confirmed that Bergson had reported discomfort just moments before scoring, and the club is awaiting the results of an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury. "It's coming a very important month for us, and it's important to have important players also in this time," Muñoz stated.

Credit Photo : Jayden Seah/SNE-Photo