Josue embraces impact role as unbeaten KL aim to go far under fresh coaching set-up

Key player: Paulo Josue has become Kuala Lumpur City’s symbol of stability and leadership. — Kuala Lumpur City

PETALING JAYA: For years, Paulo Josue has been the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur City – the captain, creator, and clutch finisher who defined the club’s identity.

But this season, the naturalised 36-year-old Brazilian-born forward is facing a new challenge: fighting for his place.

Once a guaranteed starter and KL’s all-time top scorer, Josue now finds himself sharing the frontline with Liberian striker Kpah Sherman under a fresh coaching set-up.

Josue admits it hasn’t been easy adjusting to life on the bench – but says his commitment to the City Boys remains unwavering.

The KL skipper, who joined the City Boys in 2017 and has since become their symbol of stability and leadership, says this year has tested him both mentally and emotionally.

“It’s been tough. I just finished what I think was my best season last year, and I came back thinking it might be another good one,” he said.

“There are new coaches, new players, and the mindset has changed. I just show respect and keep working.

“I’ll keep fighting for my spot. The coach is choosing the right players for the first eleven and the results can be seen so far.”

After years of being a first-choice starter, Josue now plays the role of impact substitute – a transition he’s learning to embrace.

“It’s different, for sure. I used to start every match. Now I have to wait for my chance and make it count,” he said.

“What matters is that we’re still unbeaten in the league. The results show the team are moving in the right direction.”

Kuala Lumpur hope to continue their unbeaten run when they take on Kelantan in the Super League at the Cheras Football Stadium today.

Josue said the players are motivated and even said that despite the influx of new players, the harmony of the dressing room remains intact.

“Training has been good. The coach is giving the final touches to decide who’s going to play next, and hopefully, we can get three points – that would be a big advantage.”

Josue also hopes the club’s management maintains financial stability – something that proved challenging last season.

“I hope the management continue to back us financially, because we are a big squad with many new players,” he said.

“It cannot be like last season when we went four to six months without salary – but we still delivered good results.

“This season feels more stable, and that support from management makes a huge difference.

“We’ve got a big squad and big ambitions – we’ll keep pushing for that second spot.”