Xisco Muñoz has warned his Johor Darul Ta’zim players not to underestimate Kuching City as the Southern Tigers prepare for the Piala Malaysia Final 2025/26 at TM National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Despite JDT entering the final with extraordinary momentum — including an unbeaten domestic league run and multiple trophies in recent seasons — Xisco insisted the focus remains entirely on delivering one final elite performance to close the campaign in style.
“We always try to improve, always try to grow, and always try to give our best for the country,” said the Spanish tactician during the pre-match press conference.
“But now the most important thing is tomorrow. We are facing a very strong team. They are second in the league, so this final is between the two best teams in Malaysia.”
Xisco acknowledged that Kuching City’s defensive discipline and physical strength will pose a major challenge for his side.
“Their team only conceded very few goals throughout the season, and every game against them has been very tight,” he explained.
“They are very strong physically and tactically. Tomorrow demands our maximum level and our best version.”
The former Watford FC manager also stressed that finals can never be taken lightly, regardless of JDT’s dominance in Malaysian football.
“A final is always a final,” he said.
“This jersey and this logo represent responsibility. Tomorrow is another opportunity to write more history for this club.”
Xisco admitted squad selection remains one of the biggest challenges heading into the final due to the quality available throughout the team.
“It is difficult to choose the first eleven because we have many very good players,” he said.
“But this is football. We need to think about combinations, fitness levels, tactical balance and the condition of the players after a very demanding season.”
The coach also confirmed positive news regarding Arif Aiman Hanapi, revealing the Malaysian star has returned to the squad after injury and could feature in the final.
“It’s very good news for us. Arif is back in the list, and we will see if he can play some minutes,” he added.
Meanwhile, JDT captain Bergson Da Silva said the hunger for trophies within the squad remains stronger than ever despite years of domestic dominance.
“The expectation is always high because we are the defending champions,” said Bergson.
“That is why the motivation and hunger must remain the same or even stronger. Every final is another chance to show our character.”
The Brazilian striker, who has built a legendary reputation in Malaysian football, credited his teammates for helping him achieve remarkable individual numbers during his time at JDT.
“If my teammates did not help me, I would never achieve these statistics,” he said.
“This season we improved so much as a team. We are mentally ready for one final push.”
Bergson also admitted memories of JDT’s painful Malaysia Cup final defeat in 2021 continue to fuel the squad’s mentality today.
“That loss hurt us a lot,” he revealed.
“After that final, we promised ourselves we would never lose our identity again. Since then, we have continued growing, improving and maintaining our standards.”
The prolific striker added that individual milestones mean little compared to lifting another trophy for the club and its supporters.
“If we win 1-0 and I don’t score, I will still be happy,” he said.
“The most important thing is bringing the trophy home. That is the mentality inside JDT.”
With history, pride and another major title at stake, JDT now stand just one match away from further cementing their dynasty in Malaysian football — but Xisco and Bergson know Kuching City are determined to script a fairytale ending of their own.
Credit Photo : MFL
