PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are determined to put their off-field woes behind them and channel all focus into tonight’s AFC Champions League Elite clash against Japanese outfit Machida Zelvia.
Despite the suspension of mixed-heritage trio Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal and Joao Figueiredo, coach Xisco Munoz (pic) is confident that the Southern Tigers will remain united and ready to roar back on the continental stage at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
All three have being suspended by FIFA due to doctored documents than saw them representing Harimau Malaya during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) also banned them from playing in the domestic league.
JDT’s aim is to get back to winning ways in the top continental competition after losing 1-2 to Thai side Buriram United on Sept 16.
Speaking ahead of the match against Machida, Munoz said the team’s concentration was on maintaining discipline, unity, and tactical execution rather than dwelling on the absence of the trio.
“We are thinking about putting the maximum focus on the players’ behaviour, and this is what we are doing,” he said.
“The most important thing is that we keep our attention on the game, on what we need to do tactically, and on giving the maximum for our fans.
“We will try to put in our best level. We always have about 33 or 34 players at a good level, and we’ll try to give them the chance to play
On Friday, FIFA fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil) and banned seven heritage players for 12 months. The others beside the three JDT players are Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Gabriel Palmero and Imanol Machuca.
Munoz is aware of JDT’s record against Japanese clubs in the last three seasons and knows what Machida have to offer in the game.
The Malaysian champions last faced Kawasaki Frontale in the 2023 AFC Champions League group stages, losing 0-5 and 0-1 in their two encounters.
In 2022, they managed a goalless draw before again falling 0-5 in the return leg against the same side.
The year before, they were beaten 0-1 and 1-2 by Nagoya Grampus.
“In Machida’s case, they have a coach (Go Kuroda) who has been in the game for so many years, from top to bottom,” said Munoz.
“They have a side who are strong technically and physically, and whatever they bring to the table, we have to be better.
“When they hit crosses, we have to be strong. When they hit lateral passes, we have to be sharp with our anticipation,” he added.
