PETALING JAYA: History beckons at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tonight as English giants Chelsea make their long-awaited return to Malaysia to face Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in a mouth-watering pre-season clash.
It will be the first meeting between the two clubs and Chelsea’s first appearance in Malaysia in 13 years, since they thrashed the national team 4-1 in a friendly in 2013.
During that visit, Chelsea was managed by Jose Mourinho, but now his protege, Xabi Alonso, who played under him at Real Madrid, finds himself at the helm of the two-time Champions League winners.
Alonso said he was grateful for the warm reception Chelsea have received from fans around the world, with tonight’s match their final outing before returning to England.
“Wherever we go in the world, the support is always there. The fans make a great effort to come and watch us play,” he said.
“I know some people from JDT, including Luis Garcia, and we’re looking forward to the match.”
On the opposing dugout stands his Spanish compatriot, Xisco Munoz, the head coach of JDT.
Munoz emphasised the invaluable opportunity presented by the friendly match for the club and his players to gain insights before the commencement of the new season.
“Facing a club like Chelsea is an excellent opportunity. We have great respect for what they have achieved, but we’ll also approach the match with confidence and the ambition to perform at our best,” he said.
“Playing in front of our supporters makes the occasion even more special.”
Chelsea arrive in Johor after facing Juventus in Hong Kong and AC Milan in Indonesia as part of their pre-season tour.
