JDT MISSION TO SECURE VICTORY AGAINST VISSEL KOBE

JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) are determined to secure a crucial victory over Japanese J1 League club Vissel Kobe tomorrow if they are to remain among the top eight teams in the East Zone and qualify for the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2025/2026 season.

JDT head coach Xisco Munoz said the team is fully aware of the challenge ahead, describing their opponents as among the best teams in Japan, but stressed that his players are ready to give their maximum, especially playing on home turf.

“We know we are facing a very good team. It will be a tough match, but this is our challenge. We need to start the game with full energy, full power and, most importantly, strong personality because we are playing at home,” Munoz told the pre-match press conference here today.

He added that concentration for the full 90 minutes and balance in both attack and defence would be key, noting that the Japanese side is dangerous from set pieces and quick transitions.

“We are lucky to have a big squad with good quality. Whoever plays in those positions will give 100 per cent and understand the responsibility of this match.

“We know Japanese teams are very strong in set pieces. They build up from the back, control the midfield and attack very fast. They are a complete team with good attacking and defensive statistics," he said.

Meanwhile, JDT striker Bergson Da Silva said the team is embracing the pressure that comes with playing at a big club and in a decisive match, adding that personal achievements are secondary to the team’s objective of securing three points.

“This is an important game for us and for the club. We have worked hard for a long time, and now is the moment. I invite all our fans to support us from the first minute until the end.

“It doesn’t matter who scores. Even if we win 1-0 with a goal from a defender or the goalkeeper, that is enough. The most important thing is the three points and helping the team win,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe head coach Michael Skibbe expects a tough challenge when his side take on JDT in their AFC Champions League match tomorrow, despite the Japanese outfit having already secured qualification to the round of 16.

“We had to endure a long journey from Osaka to Johor Bahru. It was exhausting, but that is part and parcel of competing in the ACLE. We also only had a short preparation period of four weeks before the Japanese J1 League began.

“Several players were not brought to Johor Bahru due to injuries, and we also have a domestic league match next week. However, this is not a problem as the available players have quality comparable to our regular starters. It will also be interesting to face JDT, who are made up of players from Brazil and Europe, particularly Spain," he said.

He added that all the players brought to face JDT are ready to deliver their best performance, which is expected to produce a high-intensity encounter, while noting that Vissel Kobe would consider themselves fortunate if they manage to defeat JDT.

“Logically, we never come to a match to lose, whether it is a friendly, a league game or a title-deciding match. We will always play to the best of our ability and try to win. And that is exactly what we will do, even though we know JDT will not make it easy for us,” Skibbe said.

For the record, JDT are currently seventh in Group A of the East Zone standings with eight points from seven matches, having recorded two wins, two draws and three defeats.

Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe sit at the top of the group standings with 16 points.

-- BERNAMA