EXPECT fireworks as Johor Darul Ta’zim and Terengganu are all out to accomplish great milestones when they clash in the Malaysia Cup final.
JDT are aiming to be the first team in Malaysia to achieve a double quadruple. They have already won the Community Shield, FA Cup, and Super League this year, and are just one day away from winning all four for the second year in a row.
But if Terengganu defy the odds, it will be their first Cup in 22 years.
On paper, the favourites in today’s final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil are the Southern Tigers but the Turtles are not going to give in easily.
JDT’s coach Esteban Solari, who took charge of the team earlier this year, believes history beckons in his first year with the team.
“We want to complete this task, which is to win another trophy. I always think about performance. We are a winning club,” said Solari.
Since Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim took over the club in 2013, JDT have won 25 trophies in all competitions.
They have won the Super League 10 times, lifted the Malaysia Cup and FA Cup three times, won AFC Cup once and were crowned Community Shield champions eight times.
This season, they have won every game in all domestic competitions except one – a 3-3 draw by Kedah in the Super League.
“It will not be easy but it is all about our mentality. Our boys have the character, attitude, stamina and the right style to win.
“Terengganu have quality players too but we will focus on our targets.”
Terengganu’s coach Tomislav Steinbruckner believes his team can defend solid to make life difficult for JDT.
“The goal is to park the bus because JDT hold possession a lot. If the opponents are good with the ball, we have to do that,” said Steinbruckner.
“We will play according to the game situations. The game could go 90 minutes, 120, or even be dragged into penalties.
“We will take the game as it is but our target is to help this club win the Malaysia Cup.”
They last won the Malaysia Cup in 2001 when they beat Perak 2-1 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
“We have a squad with many youngsters and also experienced hands. I have told the boys, especially the younger ones, not to fear their opponents,” he said.
Terengganu can smile as they will have the services of midfielder Liridon Krasniqi.
The naturalised Kosovan player was on loan from JDT but his contract ended in November, thus allowing him to sign a short-term one-month deal with Terengganu.
Azam Murad, who was down with a knee injury, has also returned.
