JDT coach not upset despite thrashing by Kawasaki

Talking heads: Kawasaki Frontale’s Shogo Taniguchi (right) fights for the ball with JDT’s Fernando Forestieri. — AFP

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) rested several key players and that saw them being humbled by one of the best clubs in Asia in the AFC Champions League.

The Southern Tigers were mauled by Kawasaki Frontale 5-0 in their Group I game at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Sunday, which also marked their first defeat this season in all competitions.

They drew 0-0 against the same team last Thursday.

Yu Kobayashi was the star of the match when he scored two goals in the 31st and 43rd minutes and the party continued with Yasuto Wakisaka (14th), Marcinho (81st) and Chanathip Songkrasin (88th) joining in the scoresheet.

The Japanese club were superior throughout the game despite making several changes in the line-up.

JDT did not feature six of their key players, including Shahrul Saad, Natxo Insa and Bergson Da Silva, as coach Benjamin Mora wanted to use them for the next two games.

“It’s sad to lose but I did not feel disappointed with the boys. We expected the fight and tried to challenge them,” said Mora.

“It was a difficult game against a strong team. They showed why they are the best in Asia,” said the Mexican.

“This team is a monster in Asia. They are the number one. Their subs can play in any group, in any country.

I did it: Kawasaki Frontale’s Yasuto Wakizaka (right) celebrates his goal with Chanathip Songkrasin. — AFP

“We fought and did our best. We conceded a very good goal in the 13th minute. From there, we could not find the chances. The players did what they could.

“Some of the players who played for JDT in this game did not have a lot of game time here and in the league. Every goal is a consequence of different things. Not only one player. I’ve no intention to blame anyone.”

“We didn’t play some of our key players because we needed to make sure they are fully recovered for the next two games to end the group stages with our heads up.

“We can’t play a perfect game three days after our previous match.”

JDT had a roaring start with a 5-0 win over Guangzhou but their biggest win was defeating Ulsan Hyundai 2-1.

Mora said they would bounce back when they face Guangzhou at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Wednesday.

“This is the Champions League, sometimes it’s challenging to maintain the level.

“We need to turn the page and think of Guangzhou.’’

JDT are now second in the group with seven points but will have to ensure they get maximum points against Guangzhou and Ulsan Hyundai to be among the three best second-placed teams in the East region.

To finish top, they must hope for Kawasaki to drop points against Ulsan and Guangzhou.