M'SIA CUP: MUNOZ LAUDS JDT’S MENTALITY FOLLOWING 10-1 VICTORY OVER PDRM FC

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz lauded his squad’s all-round performance after a commanding 10-1 victory over PDRM FC in the Malaysia Cup 2025/2026 at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim today, with Teto Martin scoring a double hat-trick in a historic first as a forward for the club.

Munoz commended the team’s intensity and focus throughout the match, despite the absence of key players, including Arif Aiman, Joao Figueiredo, and Hector Hevel.

“We started very well in this competition, and that’s a positive. Our players showed great mentality and character because they followed the game from start to finish,” he said in a post-match press conference at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, here today.

He said Teto Martin’s performance in today’s match marked a historic milestone for both the player and the club.

“I think it’s the first time in the club’s history that he played as a forward. It’s very positive when you are working with the staff and the team and everybody achieves success. That’s the most important thing for me.

“In a season, players have ups and downs; sometimes they play more minutes, sometimes less. The key is that whenever they get the opportunity, they give their best,” he added.

Munoz also highlighted the importance of maintaining defensive discipline and underlined the squad’s depth and ambition.

“I’m not disappointed we conceded one goal. What matters is focusing on these situations, learning from them, and improving. Even with Arif, Joao, and Hector absent, our squad remains strong. We need to continue with the same ambition and give our maximum every day,” he said.

Meanwhile, PDRM FC assistant head coach Eddy Gapil acknowledged the challenges his team faced in the heavy defeat.

“I can summarise that there were two performances. In the first half, we were punished with two early goals, but we still managed to balance JDT’s attacks and created a few moments where we retained possession and launched counterattacks.

“However, in the second half, conceding two early goals shifted the momentum. Our players lost focus and morale, and most of the goals we conceded came from our own mistakes. That is why we were punished with such a heavy defeat today,” Eddy added.

He also stressed the team’s intent to perform positively in future matches and plan the best approach for the upcoming game.

-- BERNAMA