Xisco Muñoz "Analysis of Svay Rieng’s New Approach Paid Off"
JDT Boss Hails “Worthwhile” Result After Studying Svay Rieng’s Machida Zelvia Match; Man of the Match Marcos Guilherme Credits Training-Ground Talks With the Coach
Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Muñoz called the 6-0 win over PKR Svay Rieng in ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup Group B “very worthwhile”. The result came at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium last night. The Spanish coach said tactical planning built on analysis of Matthew McConkey’s side shaped a performance in which JDT dominated for the full 90 minutes.
Muñoz said JDT’s analysis showed the Cambodian club had changed their pattern of play since last season, when the two sides drew 2-2 in the Shopee Cup group stage. “Our analysis showed the opposition were playing in a different pattern compared with last season. We were ready to face them using one-on-one marking and trying to restrict the movement of JDT’s midfielders,” he said.
JDT found the first half hard going. They had the better of the chances but led only 1-0 at the break, through Arif Aiman Hanapi’s goal in the 39th minute. Muñoz said the visitors’ defensive midfielder was a big part of that. “The opposition have a defensive midfielder who was quick to intercept our moves, especially in the first half,” he said. “In the second half, though, we overcame it and took control, because the players understood when to slow the tempo or move the ball faster.”
The change was clear on the scoreboard. Marcos Guilherme made it 2-0 six minutes after the restart, then Kevin Medina, Shahab Zahedi and substitute Daniesh Amirruddin, with two goals, completed the 6-0 win.
Muñoz said the second-half dominance came from his players’ movement and understanding in the final third. “Our players know how to find space, and the attacking line interacted well. When one player has the ball, another makes a run behind the opposition defence,” he said.
He said JDT had more than one way through. “We can also move the ball through the middle or play passes into the space behind their defence. That made executing the tactics easier and let the players move more freely.”
Muñoz said JDT’s coaching staff identified the strengths and weaknesses of The Blue Swords by studying their recent AFC Champions League Two match against Machida Zelvia. He said he was proud of how well the plan worked. Before the match, he had said Svay Rieng’s midfield control and pace were the main things to watch, and the first-half difficulty showed why.
It also matched his pre-match priorities. He had stressed balance between attack and defence and a clean sheet, and JDT delivered both.
Man of the Match Guilherme said he was delighted with the win. He admitted he had not expected to be named the best player and thanked Muñoz for the trust placed in him.
“I’m very happy with this win. I often discuss with the coach how to raise the quality of play in training, and as a result I was able to have a positive impact on my teammates,” he said. “I joined JDT to help the club, and I will keep working hard, giving 100 per cent commitment, not only in matches but also in training.”
He said the season would test the squad over a long distance. “The domestic league and international competitions are still long, so we need physical and mental endurance.”
The win gives JDT a strong start in Group B, with a goal difference that may prove valuable. Both Muñoz and Guilherme pointed to a schedule that will demand fitness and focus across several competitions.
Credit Photo : JST
