For our fans: JDT players going through their paces during training in Johor Baru. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim will be out to show that they are the ‘Invincibles of Malaysian football’ not by coming out with special tactics but by just playing their usual game.
They have won 20 games, scored a whopping 79 goals and conceded just three this season in all local competitions.
And Argentinian coach Esteban Solari wants the team to assert their dominance further when they face Kuala Lumpur in the FA Cup final at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today.
“This is the final, playing for a title, only win or lose. It makes the environment different,” said Solari.
“You have to play the game psychologically too. But for us, it’s another game and we will play with the same idea from the previous games.
“We have to be the JDT that everyone knows.
“I know who I will field. As for tactics, it can be 3-4-3, 3-3-3-1, or 4-3-3. We just want to press high and attack with a lot of players from the first minute.”
But JDT know their opponents will not make it easy for them as Kuala Lumpur are known for their compact gameplay, especially in Cup matches.
“We will focus on our game style but will adjust accordingly depending on Kuala Lumpur’s tactics.
“We are excited to play in front of our fans. We expect a full stadium. We will work hard to win this title to make them happy.”
JDT will not have the services of Brazilian striker Diogo Santo, who is out with an injury but Solari said he has 20 players whom he can rely on.
Winger Arif Aiman Hanapi will be the key man for JDT as he has scored four goals in the competition. So, it will not be a surprise to see him heavily marked but Solari is not too worried.
“Football is also tactical. Arif knows they will mark him tight. He knows how to play. Put two or three players on him, there will be others who will be free. We know how to use Arif but we have a strong team, all of them are capable of doing something special.”
Meanwhile, JDT announced the signing of Brazilian striker Heberty Fernandes as their ninth foreign player.
The 34-year-old was a star in the Thai League playing for sides like Muangthong United, Bangkok United, Ratchaburi Mitr Phol and Port FC.
