Fatigued Cops call up Japanese-born Bruno in bid to topple JDT
KUALA LUMPUR: Police will be looking to upset the formbook when they take on Malaysia Super League leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tonight.
The Cops remain the only team to have dented JDT’s flawless record this season, having held the 10-time league champions to a 1-1 draw at the Selayang Stadium on July 31. Shahrel Fikri put Police ahead before Oscar Arribas equalised for the Southern Tigers.
However, Police manager, Insp Mohd Shamsul Hisham believes repeating the feat will be a tall order. Not only are Police playing away, but they are also feeling the effects of a gruelling Challenge Cup semi-final against Kedah last Saturday, which went into extra time.
Despite their fatigue, Police showed their resilience by edging Kedah 5-4 on penalties after both teams were tied 4-4 on aggregate to book their place in the final.
Additionally, several key players will be unavailable, including Kyaw Min Oo and Mohd Safiee Ahmad, who are serving suspensions.
“We always aim to give our all in every match. However, I feel the team are still feeling the effects of playing over 120 minutes against Kedah in the Challenge Cup.
“But we have full faith in all our players, including those filling in for the absent ones, to give 100 per cent commitment. If possible, we want to pull off an upset against JDT.
“As the only team to have held JDT to a draw this season, we want to maintain that momentum. However, with our players fatigued, it is a concern for me,” said Shamsul.
Therefore, Police will also bring Japanese-born striker Bruno Suzuki (pic) to Iskandar Puteri today, despite him having just played for the Police Under-21 team in the MFL Cup match against Selangor on Tuesday.
“Suzuki played in the MFL Cup, and as soon as the match ended, we brought him straight to join his teammates in preparation for the match against JDT,” he added.
After 17 matches, Police are currently seventh in the league with 21 points, while JDT, having played 18 matches, sit comfortably at the top with 52 points.
