PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Xisco Munoz says his team remain fully focused on their AFC Champions League Elite clash against Machida Zelvia on Tuesday (Sept 30) despite the setback of three key players – Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal and Joao Figueiredo – being suspended by FIFA.
Speaking ahead of the match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Munoz said the team’s concentration is on maintaining discipline, unity, and tactical execution rather than dwelling on the absence of the trio.
"One of the things right now that we are thinking about is to put the maximum focus on the players’ behaviour, and this is what we are doing," he said on Monday (Sept 29).
"The most important thing is that we put our focus on the game, on what we need to do tactically, on what we try to give to the players, and on giving the maximum for our fans. Right now, that is the most important thing for us."
On Friday (Sept 26), FIFA fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8 mil) and banned seven heritage players – Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Irazabal, Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Imanol Machuca and Figueiredo – for 12 months, citing irregularities in their registration documents.
Despite losing three influential players – Hevel in midfield, Irazabal in defence and Figueiredo in attack – Munoz is confident that others in the squad will step up when called upon.
"Tomorrow, we will try to put in our best level. We always have 33 or 34 players at a good level, and tomorrow it’s sure that we’ll give the chance to other guys.
"We will choose the best first 11 and, after that, for those who get the opportunity to give their best."
Munoz stressed the need for collective effort and mental strength as JDT aim to bounce back after losing their first ACL Elite game against Buriram United (2-1) almost two weeks ago.
"Tomorrow, we have to give the maximum for our team and... everybody (must) stay strong. If we give our best, I’m sure we’ll deliver a very good performance."
