Sweet taste of victory: JDT owner Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim kissing the Malaysia Cup trophy after the team beat Selangor 2-1 in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have achieved an unprecedented quadruple by clinching the Malaysia Cup on Saturday, but coach Hector Bidoglio has refused to take credit for the team’s resounding success.
JDT secured the Malaysia Cup after beating former powerhouse Selangor 2-1 at the National Stadium after having already bagged the Super League, the FA Cup and the Charity Shield.
“I would like to thank our boss TMJ (Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim), the coaching staff and my players for this incredible achievement.
“It is not possible if not for them,” said Bidoglio.
“When I came here, JDT were winning everything and it was not easy when this happens, especially to keep the players hungry and motivated. It is going to be a big challenge for us next year as we have already won four titles.
“We need to take a rest and start thinking about the new season as the other teams will be waiting to beat us.”
It was a hard battle as Selangor’s Herlison Caion put Selangor ahead in the 45th minute before a Bergson Da Silva header (47th minute) brought the Southern Tigers back into the match.
Hector Bidoglio. — Bernama
Fernando Forestieri’s beautiful curling shot from edge of the box in the 59th minute gave JDT the bragging rights on an electrifying night in front of 80,000 fans in Bukit Jalil.
“The final is always difficult. We were losing possession and our opponents didn’t give us much of a chance in the first half,” added Bidoglio, who replaced Mexican Benjamin Mora.
“In the second half, I started making some positional changes and they started playing better.
While Bergson continued his regular scoring for JDT, Forestieri’s knack of scoring important and spectacular goals happened at the right time.
Forestieri said the settled and happy environment at JDT has been the reason for his free-flowing football his season.
“It was tough. I am no No. 9 like Bergson as I cannot score always but I tried to help my teammates and score goals. This season was amazing,” said Forestieri, who was named Man of the Match.
“I am valued here and this made it easier for me to play.
“Most importantly, my family is very happy here and this translates into a positive environment and you see the results on the pitch.”
