PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has called for patience from supporters, stressing that 2025 will be a transition year for the Southern Tigers following sweeping changes in the squad and technical staff.
"With a new coach (Xisco Munoz), a new system and 70 percent new players, this is basically a new team," said Tunku Ismail.
"After succeeding with an unbeaten record over three consecutive years, we will not be able to break that record again."
The Regent reminded fans that the club’s remarkable run of more than 100 goals and three straight unbeaten domestic campaigns was the result of long-term planning that began years earlier.
He acknowledged that the same cycle of renewal is now underway.
"Every few years, we have to have this change to improve the squad to compete at the highest level. So, my expectations are not very high this year because I know we are in the changing period."
Tunku Ismail also admitted that mistakes and inconsistency were inevitable as the team continue to adapt.
"There will be ups and downs. We have never conceded three goals at home, but against Negeri Sembilan (JDT beat them 5-3 in the Super League) it happened. That’s part of the transition."
On continental ambitions, the Regent said the Asian Champions League Elite remained a major goal.
"As usual, my expectation and target is to consistently be top four in the league and try to go as far as possible in the ACL Elite. To be honest, I would like to try to bring this club to the quarter-finals one day. But if that does not happen, we will continue to push and try our best."
Despite lowering expectations this season, Tunku Ismail insisted that the foundations being laid now would be crucial for JDT’s future.
"Supporters have to think rationally. When there are drastic changes to improve the club, it will take time to get results. If we are lucky, results will come quickly. If not, they will come later but they will definitely come."
