Natxo Insa Warns JDT Against Overconfidence
Veteran Midfielder Urges Southern Tigers to “Stay Humble” Against Thai League Leaders; Spanish Coach Dismisses Port’s Two Defeats and Expects a Low Block
Johor Darul Ta’zim midfielder Natxo Insa has warned his teammates against overconfidence as the Southern Tigers host Thailand’s Port FC in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2026/27 East Zone league stage. Head coach Xisco Muñoz said every ACLE match is “like a final”.
The game kicks off at 6:00pm on Tuesday, October 27, at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri. The two spoke at the pre-match press conference on Monday.
JDT go into the match with four points from two games. They drew 1-1 at home to Buriram United on September 15, then beat ten-man Pohang Steelers 2-0 at the Pohang Steel Yard on October 13, with Marcos Guilherme scoring in the 49th and 89th minutes. Port FC are still waiting for their first points after defeats to Vissel Kobe and Kashiwa Reysol.
Insa described Port as fighters who will battle from the first whistle to the last. He said JDT cannot afford to switch off for even a second if they want a positive result.
“The ACLE is very special for JDT because every year we have to give our best. After reaching the quarter-finals last season, of course we want to go further this season, and we will fight from the moment the game starts,” he said.
Insa played against Port in friendlies in 2018 and 2024, and he believes the Thai side are now a far stronger outfit. “What I can say is that they are stronger now after bringing in some of the best players, and that is why they are currently top of Thai League 1,” he said.
He said that is exactly why the squad’s attitude matters. “We have to keep working hard, and we cannot get comfortable against Port FC’s players. Most importantly for tomorrow’s game, the JDT players need to stay humble, follow the coach’s tactical plan and keep a winning mentality.”
Credit Photo : JST