Out of my way: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Arif Aiman Hanapi (left) in action against Terengganu’s Pusic Damagoj during the Charity Shield match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) juggernaut has got off to a thunderous start in the Super League by lifting the Charity Shield for the eighth time.
And coach Esteban Solari believes the Southern Tigers can only get better.
JDT tamed Terengganu 2-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Friday to take the Shield and also their first three points in the Super League.
Juan Muniz fired the hosts ahead after only five minutes before Bergson Da Silva added the second in the 57th as JDT equalled Selangor’s record of eight Charity Shields.
It’s a dream start for last season’s quadruple winners but Solari feels that his side have yet to maximise their potential and they intend to grow from strength to strength in the coming weeks.
“It’s a positive start but Terengganu also gave us a tough time. That was evident in the first half, as we couldn’t control the game and committed some silly fouls,” said the Argentinian.
“We had much better possession in the second half, and that is how we should be playing consistently.
“It’s good to start with a title but I know more can be done, and our focus now is to improve the way we play and be more dominant.
Against Terengganu, exciting youngster Arif Aiman Hanapi was a continuous menace on the flanks, while La’vere Corbin Ong, an ever-present last season at leftback, did not start as Solari opted for Spanish-Filipino wingback Oscar Arribas.
Arif’s impressive display and La’vere’s absence were major topics for the press during the post-match conference and Solari was more than ready to tackle the questions.
“Arif is at a level we all know he can reach. He has speed, the dribbling ability to beat players, provide assists and also score goals,’’ he said.
‘’But he can get even better and I want him to push himself every day, and stay motivated to be the top player he can be.
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