JDT’s Bergson Da Silva celebrate after get the score during Malaysian Super League match between Selangor and JDT at Petaling Jaya Stadium. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s relentless dominance at the top of the Super League has come at a cost, with the champions forced to bring in new faces following the injury setback to talismanic winger Arif Aiman Hanapi.
After Sunday’s composed 2-0 victory over Selangor at the Petaling Jaya Stadium, JDT head coach Xisco Munoz explained that the club had to address the void left by Arif.
Their star has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and has no confirmed return date.
JDT have hired Brazilian wingers Marcos Guilherme and Yago da Silva, along with Portuguese midfielder Rui Nene Correia.
Munoz said these players had restored JDT’s cutting edge, particularly out wide.
“I’m very happy with the club because they always try to provide the best for the team,” said Munoz.
“They are always willing to take that extra step to help us play better and improve our capacity.
“These three new players have certainly helped us. With Arif out, we lost some of our one-versus-one ability on the wing, and these signings bring back those specific qualities.
“It’s amazing to be at a club with such big ambitions.”
Despite the positive reinforcement, Munoz admitted he was deeply affected by Arif’s absence, describing the 21-year-old as irreplaceable within the squad.
“I’m very sad about Arif’s situation. We lost our best player, the best young player in Asia,” he said.
“He represented the character and the identity of JDT.
“Arif is working very hard on his recovery, and I am sure he will come back stronger.
“We must stay calm and allow him to recover properly after his surgery. It will take time.”
On the pitch, JDT once again showed their authority as midfielder Nacho Mendez opened the scoring in the seventh minute before striker Bergson da Silva sealed the win with a late goal in the 90th minute.
Munoz was pleased with the performance but insisted there was still room for improvement.
“We must keep moving forward because there are always small things we can improve,” he said.
Questions were also raised about Bergson, who has not been a regular starter this season despite boasting an impressive return of 13 goals from 12 league matches.
The Spaniard revealed that the 34-year-old Brazilian has been carefully managed due to injury concerns.
“Bergson is one of the best strikers in the league, but he has had three different injuries this season,” said Munoz.
“We need to manage him. Even if he plays 30 minutes and scores, I am proud of him.
“It’s important to rotate the squad to protect the players. He worked very hard to be ready for the last 20 minutes today after being out for a few weeks.
“Everyone knows his quality, and he helps us every time he steps onto the pitch.”
The victory keeps JDT firmly at the summit of the Super League with 39 points from 13 matches, extending their commanding lead to 11 points.
