JDT COACH PROUD OF TEAM’S DOMINANT DISPLAY DESPITE DRAW WITH SHANGHAI PORT

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz is proud of his team’s performance despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Shanghai Port in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here last night.

He said the Southern Tigers delivered a complete and high-intensity display from the first minute to the last, showcasing the true values and identity of JDT throughout the match.

“Thanks to my players. They controlled the game, played very well and created many chances. Every minute we were progressing… our only thought was to win, but the most important thing is to keep going,” he said at the post-match press conference.

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Asked whether ‘luck’ played a role after JDT dominated but failed to convert their chances, Munoz said he never believed in luck, adding that the team executed their tactical approach and game-management plan to near perfection.

“It was incredible. We wanted a high press, and we executed it very well. We recovered many balls in the opposition half. In the first half, they only arrived twice through transitions and individual actions because their wingers and wing-backs are very fast,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Port FC head coach Kevin Muscat said the point gained last night was particularly meaningful as his team had been grappling with multiple injury concerns and player health issues ahead of the clash against the Southern Tigers.

He said many players were unwell, some were injured before and during the match, and several others were unavailable.

“Before kick-off, the squad was far from ideal; but the performance shown by the players proved that the team’s fighting spirit remains strong. They stepped up as a team and fought tirelessly, and I am proud of them,” he said.

Muscat also praised the Red Eagles’ goalkeeper, Chen Wei, who was named Man of the Match after delivering a solid and high-quality display.

“Chen Wei was outstanding. JDT created more chances, but I’m happy with how we closed the spaces and remained focused until the final whistle,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chen Wei said his impressive performance was not merely due to confidence, but the result of the intensive training he undergoes daily.

“I’m grateful to the coach. Our training sessions are very high in intensity, and they help us perform at our best,” he said.

-- BERNAMA