MUNOZ PRAISES JDT FOR SUSTAINING DISCIPLINE IN RESOUNDING 10-0 VICTORY AGAINST DPMM FC

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz praised his players for sustaining their relentless pressure and discipline throughout their 10–0 demolition of Brunei DPMM FC in the Super League at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium last night.

Munoz said the emphatic victory reflected the team’s understanding of his process and playing philosophy, emphasising character and effort from start to finish.

“It’s a massive win. It’s also important that we play 90 minutes until the end. I can only say congratulations to the players again because they played very well. Now we need to start thinking about the next game in 48 hours,” he said at a post-match press conference.

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Munoz explained his decision to rotate and pair different strikers, including Bergson Da Silva, Jairo Da Silva, and Romel Morales, to maintain flexibility, chemistry and tactical balance upfront following a congested fixture schedule.

“Normally, not everybody can play 65 games in a season. We need good connections. Bergson with Romel, Bergson with Jairo, Jairo with Romel. We’re lucky to have these kinds of strikers in our team,” he said.

On Manuel Hidalgo’s performance, Munoz said the Argentine displayed versatility and quality, adapting effectively to both wing and wing-back roles.

“I think Hidalgo is a very good player. He gives us flexibility to play inside and outside. Today he gave a very good performance, and that’s what we demand from him in every game,” he added.

Munoz also highlighted the team’s adaptability against different opponents, whether facing low-defensive blocks or open, high-pressing teams, reflecting tactical evolution in his squad.

Meanwhile, DPMM FC head coach James McAllister admitted the early red card to defender Muhd Syafiq Safiuddin Abd Shariff in the first half had a decisive impact on the match.

“When you play against the best team in the league, you have to keep 11 men on the pitch. Going down to 10 men against JDT makes it almost impossible,” he said.

McAllister added that his players had started positively but were undone by defensive lapses and a lack of composure in crucial moments, stressing the importance of learning from the experience.

“It’s a tough defeat to take, but we have to learn, adapt and move forward. Playing teams of JDT’s calibre shows us the standard we need to reach,” he said.

Bergson led JDT with four goals, including a penalty, while Oscar Aribas, Manuel Hidalgo, Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi, Jairo, and Romel scored one each, with the win also complemented by an own goal from DPMM FC’s Pengiran Yura Indera Putera Pengiran Yunos. 

-- BERNAMA