Lethal: The JDT strike force, led by Bergson Da Silva (left), will pose problems for the Selangor defence in their FA Cup semi-final clash today. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim, through their owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, have resorted to ‘’psychological warfare’’ to intimidate their opponents Selangor two days before the FA Cup semi-finals.
In a posting on his Insta story, the Johor Crown Prince posted a photo of the team’s training session at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, in which the scoreboard showed a 5-0 victory to his side.
Many who follow Tunku Ismail said he was upping the ante before the game and also to show that no one can take them down at the fortress in the semi-final today.
Selangor coach Tan Cheng Hoe was asked about the Insta story, to which he replied: “I am aware of it.
“It’s psychological warfare. The players are aware. We have experienced players, those who play with the national team. It’s a challenge. I hope we are not emotionally affected by that.
“In any big game of any league, teams will always play mind games. I am aware that my boys are ready for the game. They have been giving their best.
“We are looking for a positive result. A knockout game could go up to 120 minutes. We have to be ready for any situation.
“In the semi-final, we need to have the best strategy when facing JDT. They’ve got good attackers.
Our defenders have to be smart when dealing with the situation.
“It’s not an easy task. It’s kind of mission impossible. But if we are composed, and are able to deal with whatever JDT throw at us, anything can happen.”
Selangor are one of the two most successful clubs in the FA Cup, along with Kedah, having won it five times.
JDT are the defending champions.
