PETALING JAYA: New Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Xisco Munoz (pic) is preparing for his first taste of Malaysian football with one goal in mind.
It is to connect with fans through a passionate and progressive brand of football.
The Spanish tactician, who will make his competitive debut on Malaysian soil when the Southern Tigers face Selangor in the Charity Shield at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today, believes that success begins not just with tactics but with emotion, energy, and unity between players and supporters.
“This is my first time in Malaysia and I want to thank the boss (JDT owner and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim) for giving everything every day so we can do well this season,” said Munoz.
“This is our first game at home. We need to connect with the fans and with our style of football. We must show who we are from the first to the last minute.”
Munoz, a former Watford and Huesca coach, has spent the last two months working with his new squad during a detailed pre-season, including a training stint in Spain where his players were drilled on tactical ideas, principles, and pressing intensity.
“We had a good pre-season. The players understand the concepts and ideas. But football is about improving every day. We never know where the top is, we have to keep pushing to get there.”
JDT enter the new campaign under pressure to defend their dominance in Malaysian football but Munoz is embracing that expectation.
“When you play for JDT, there is pressure in every single game. But that’s part of football. The most important thing is to give your best, understand the contest and respect the opponent by giving 100 percent.”
The 44-year-old declined to reveal his starting formation but expressed confidence in the depth of his squad, which boasts 34 players capable of starting.
“We have our first eleven. But I’m lucky - we have 34 players ready for the first eleven. That competition makes us stronger. It’s a very good group.”
Munoz’s vision goes beyond results.
He wants football that is expressive, connected, and meaningful, a style that resonates not just within the team but across the stands at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
“For me, our football must connect with the people. That connection will build a winning mentality. I want fans to enjoy the way we play and I want my boys to give their maximum every single minute.”
Against Selangor, Munoz expects a tough battle but hopes the electric atmosphere of a full house at Sultan Ibrahim will give his players an extra edge.
“We need a full stadium. We need full power. This is the start of something special. The fans, the players, the football - we must all move together.”
