Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim are embracing the challenge of facing defending champions Al Ahli Saudi as they prepare for a historic quarter-final clash in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, head coach Xisco Muñoz stressed that his side must approach the encounter with humility, determination and a fearless mentality as they face one of Asia’s strongest clubs.
Muñoz acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but insisted his squad is ready to compete at the highest level.
“Tomorrow is an important game for us. We are playing against the champions, and we know the level of the opponent,” said Muñoz.
“But for us this quarter-final is like a final. From the first moment until the last, we must compete with the right mentality.”
The Spanish tactician highlighted the steady progress of the Southern Tigers throughout the season, noting that the team continues to grow stronger with each match.
“Our team is improving every day. We know we face players with great quality, but we must show our own capabilities on the pitch.”
Muñoz made it clear that JDT will enter the match without fear despite facing a club with greater financial power and global stars.
“We don’t have fear,” he said firmly.
“We know their strengths, especially their speed on the flanks and the quality of their attackers like Ivan Toney. We have studied them carefully and prepared for every possibility.”
Instead, Muñoz called on his players to embrace the challenge and fight with passion and character.
“In football, sometimes the small team can defeat the big one. What matters is mentality, discipline, and sacrifice. If we compete at our maximum level, we will be closer to winning.”
Veteran midfielder and club captain Natxo Insa echoed his coach’s sentiments, describing the quarter-final appearance as a proud milestone for a club that has risen rapidly over the past decade.
“For a club that has existed for only about 12 years in its modern era, reaching this stage is the result of a lot of hard work,” said Insa.
“It is a big challenge because we are facing one of the best teams with top players, but we believe in ourselves.”
The Spanish-born midfielder emphasized that the team will approach the match with freedom and confidence.
“We have nothing to lose. We are not here for holidays. We will give everything we have on the pitch and see what happens.”
Insa also credited the leadership and vision behind the club’s rise, explaining that strong unity within the squad has been a key factor behind their success.
“We know our objectives clearly because the leadership of the club sets the direction,” he explained.
“When you see the club as a family, not just a business, it gives you strength to face difficult moments and achieve big goals.”
Muñoz added that the team feels proud to represent Malaysian football at the highest continental level.
“It is not easy to dominate domestically for many years and still maintain the hunger to improve,” he said.
“But this club always pushes forward. Tomorrow we represent not just the club but the country.”
With belief, unity and a fearless mentality, Johor Darul Ta’zim will now attempt to produce another historic result as they face the reigning champions in a blockbuster quarter-final showdown in Jeddah.
Credit Photo : JST
