Determined challenge: JDT’s Mohd Akhyar Abdul Rasid (front) is tackled by Police’s Izaaq Izhan Yuswardi during their match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) 3-0 win over Police in the FA Cup round of 16 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium may suggest a smooth victory but coach Esteban Solari insists it was anything but that.
The Argentine was quick to remind his charges of the dangers the Cops can pose again in their next meeting in the Super League on April 19.
Solari said the aggressive play of Police, along with their ability to slow the game down, gave the host some problems.
JDT were even made to look a little nervous in the second half as their uncompromising opponents continued to show they were far from intimidated by last season’s quadruple winners.
“It wasn’t easy playing against a side with a line of five or six at the back,” said Solari.
“They were aggressive and at times, they were also able to slow the game down to disrupt our rhythm.
“Let this be a lesson to us before our next match. In the second half, we looked nervous and could only play about 10-15 minutes of good football compared to the first, where we were speedier in our attacks.’’
The Southern Tigers started the game against Police fast and furious, and it took just three minutes before Brazilian Bergson da Silva fired them ahead. JDT’s two other goals came from the penalty spot, converted by Da Silva (12th) and Leandro Velazquez (27th).
Solari said the fact that JDT were awarded two penalties highlighted how aggressive the Police defence were.
Meanwhile, Police coach Azzmi Aziz said his game plan was to keep the scoreline low.
“That was a realistic target but we also had some good counter-attacking chances,” he said.
“We played against the best team in the country and I must credit my boys for giving their best.”
On the two penalties his side conceded, Azzmi said: “These things happen, and the players must be mature when dealing with such situations.
“The early goal affected us. We wanted to hold them in the first 45 minutes and then open up the game in the second. But we must move on and try to perform better in the next game.”
