MUNOZ TARGETS AGGRESSIVE, HIGH-TEMPO GAME AGAINST SHANGHAI SHENHUA

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 4 (Bernama) — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are prepared to deliver a high-intensity performance when they face Shanghai Shenhua FC in their AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2025/26 group match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tomorrow.

Head coach Xisco Munoz said his players are ready to raise their tempo and play with aggression as they target a crucial home victory.

“We have to push the intensity and be aggressive in the duels. We’ll try to score and secure the three points,” he said at a pre-match press conference here today.

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Munoz acknowledged that away matches in the competition are always challenging, which makes performing strongly at home all the more important.

“I think our last game in China was a very positive one, both in performance and result. We just want to continue this winning momentum and keep the same intensity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Shenhua head coach Leonid Slutskiy expects a tough challenge from the Southern Tigers, praising JDT’s distinctive playing style and strong home record.

He described JDT as one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the competition, noting their technical ability and attacking flair.

“When you play against Japanese or Korean teams, you know what to expect: high tempo, discipline and similar patterns, but JDT are completely different. For me, it’s like watching a Spanish team play in the Asian Champions League,” he added.

JDT defeated Shanghai Shenhua 3-0 in their ACLE encounter last season.

JDT’s campaign last season ended in the Round of 16 after losing 0-1 on aggregate to Buriram United.

--BERNAMA