PETALING JAYA: Keep it simple – We just need three points and not bragging rights!
Many out there are calling the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) clash between Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Buriram United at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today as the ‘Battle of the South-East Asian’ giants.
The winners would be hailed as the ‘Kings of South-East Asia’ but Buriram rightback Dion Cools said the team are only eyeing three points to ensure they move into the top eight spots in the standings.
“We all know it is a big game, no doubts about it. However, what is essential to me, get the three points. That is all. We are not concerned about the tag, we just want to move up and get ourselves to the quarter-final,” said 28-year-old Dion, who is the Malaysian national team captain.
“Buriram are doing well in the Thai League as we are second, played 11 matches with 27 points, just three behind Bangkok United who played 15 games.
“JDT are a tough team with quality players. I know some of the players personally thanks to my time with the national team, and I have given some details to my coach (Osmar Loss).
“But we have to be at our best, no ifs or buts. I am looking forward to this match and I hope it will be positive for the team and myself.”
When asked which JDT players will Buriram keep an eye on, Dion said every single player would be dangerous but noted that winger Arif Aiman Hanapi would be the man to watch.
“Arif scored four, so he is doing well in the ACLE. But JDT have a lot of match winners. So we have to be wary.”
JDT are fifth with seven points, while Buriram also have seven points, but they are ninth due to goal difference.
The other sides with seven points are Chinese clubs Shanghai Shenhua (sixth), Shandong Taishan (seventh) and Shanghai Port (eighth).
JDT’s home form in every competition has been good as they have not been beaten at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Buriram coach Loss said that stat does not faze him.
“In football, nothing is impossible. Football is loved because anything can happen. Doesn’t matter the opposition, fans or stadium. We trust in our team and performance tomorrow. We will show our opponents that they must respect Buriram too.”
