ACLE: SAD, BUT JDT WILL GROW - BIDOGLIO

ISKANDAR PUTERI, March 12 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim  (JDT) head coach Hector Bidoglio expressed his sadness after his team's defeat to Thailand's Buriram United but vowed to continue working and growing in the future. 

The Argentinian said his players gave 100 per cent effort and it showed on the pitch during their 0-1 loss to the Thai's side at 2024/2025 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE).

“I am very sad because I saw the players working hard every week but this is football. Now we need to continue working and growing because JDT is a big club. This club future doesn’t depend on one result. 

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“I am sure that in the coming weeks, in the coming months and the coming years JDT will continue to grow," he said during the post-match press conference at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here yesterday. 

The second-leg match of round 16 2024/2025 ACLE  between JDT and Buriram United marked the exit of the Malaysian football powerhouse with a single goal by the visiting club striker Suphanat Mueanta in the 58th minute. 

Commenting on the Southern Tigers’ disallowed goal in the last minute of the match, Bidoglio said they have no choice but to accept the decision by Kuwaiti referee Ahmad Alali. 

“My staff said no offside but Video Assistant Referee (VAR) said yes. Our intention was to push all the time playing in the opponent's ground, sometimes on the side, sometimes shooting and sometimes crossing. 

“We tried all the possibilities but this is football. I am very sad for our fans, very sad for our boss (JDT's owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail) and my colleagues,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Buriram United head coach Osmar Loss Vieira said he was very happy and proud with the achievement because his boys played for the honour of themselves, the team and country.

“It was clear from the beginning that we have space to counter-attack because JDT was pressured to score. We had many chances to score two or three goal in counter attack. 

“It's  important to keep a cool head in this kind of situation, we need to understand and read the game. My players adapt faster and did perfectly,” said the Brazilian while also congratulating JDT fans for creating an incredible atmosphere at the stadium.

Player of the match, Suphanat expressed his gratitude towards his teammates for making it easier for him to perform against JDT in clenching an important win for the club to advance to the quarterfinals of the ACLE in Saudi Arabia next month. 

“The coach trust me and I trust the coach. The coach will tell me what I need to do to improve my game, so the team can do well,” said the 23-years-old, who also represents the Thailand national team.

-- BERNAMA