Closing in: KL’s K. Partiban (left) and JDT’s Oscar Pasero Aribas tussle for the ball during their Super League match last night. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) handed Kuala Lumpur a 5-1 beating in the Super League but their coach Hector Bidoglio insisted his team were far from excellent.
In fact, the Venezuelan felt that the Southern Tigers are only playing at 50 percent of what they’re capable of.
“I’m never comfortable with my team. I want more and will ensure that these players and our squad, will get better every match,’’ said Bidoglio.
“I see how they train and work. The players we selected have been working well. In the future, I want them to be better.
“Maybe we are at 50 percent because we need to improve more. The coach and staff also need to improve. That’s what the club are constantly doing.
“Against Kuala Lumpur, we had a lot of chances in the first half but scored only twice. In the second half, we weren’t at our best but managed to be efficient upfront.”
The first-half saw JDT’s dominate with much possession but it was the home side that created the best chances with striker Paulo Josue and winger Haqimi Azim Rosli coming close to breaking the deadlock.
The match was stopped in the 33rd minute due to lightning but resumed five minutes later when the match commissioner gave the green light to continue.
JDT eventually got the lead in the 45th minute through veteran striker Fernando Forestieri, but it was first flagged offside. However, a five-minute video assistant referee (VAR) check eventually confirmed it was a goal.
JDT netted their second through Juan Muniz, who curled in a superb free-kick from 20 metres.
The City Boys reduced the deficit through Josue, who converted a penalty in first-half injury time.
JDT restored their two-goal advantage when Forestieri got his second of the evening in the 60th minute, capitalising on a mistake by KL goalkeeper Azri Ghani.
The away side got their fourth when Muniz struck his second with a superb shot from outside the box to beat Azri.
JDT’s goal feast was completed by wingback Syahmi Safari, who scored the fifth goal in the 88th minute.
KL coach Miroslav Kuljanac was a picture of disappointment but said his boys gave their all against a top quality side.
“It was a difficult game for us. But my boys gave their best. I was happy with their attitude. We made some unforced errors, which we will work on during the international break,” said Kuljanac.
“Tactically, I was happy with what we showed. It’s not easy playing against JDT. They have more quality players.
“I’m waiting for some players to recover. We have problems with injuries. I hope they will join us in June.”
