Clash of titans: Pahang's coach Fandi Ahmad and JDT's Hector Bidoglio shaking hands before the big game. - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Super League and FA Cup champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are aiming to cap their season by winning their fifth Malaysia Cup title when they square off against Pahang in the final on April 26 (Saturday) at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio said the final was a crucial match and that his team must maintain the positive momentum they had built since the start of the season.
"It's very important game, my players have been working very well all the season. We have very long season, the players have been working all the time and in a great form," said Bidoglio.
"So, we need to keep our moment and tomorrow we have the last game. A very important game for the club. We need to finish this season in the best way possible.
While he was pleased with the team’s progress throughout the season, he pointed out that the final presented a unique challenge that demanded full commitment from every player.
"A final is a difficult game. We need to put focus and we need to put our 100 per cent because Pahang are a very good team.
"I don't like to speak about the rivals. I don't like to speak about the players of another team. Obviously, I analyse the rivals. I analyse the individual skill of the player's rival but I want to speak about my team and my players,” he added.
JDT captain Natxo Insa meanwhile described the final as a completely different kind of challenge, stressing that the team must rise to the occasion and stay true to their identity.
"The final is a totally different game. We know Pahang have experience in this competition. It's the big teams in the country. So even that, we know we have the responsibility to defend JDT, defend the records, defend our style, defend everything.
"We are in a long season, doing very well. So, we want to finish in the way we are doing. That's all I know,” said the player, who has won four Malaysia Cup titles with JDT since 2017 including consecutive wins in 2022 and 2023.
The last time JDT and Pahang met in the Malaysia Cup final was in 2014, when JDT lost 3-5 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, but JDT currently have the advantage as they have beaten Pahang twice - 3-0 and 3-1 - in this Super League season. - Bernama
