Sanfrecce coach Gaul tells his boys to expect a different Southern Tigers

PETALING JAYA: Sanfrecce Hiroshima coach Bartosch Gaul has cautioned his players that Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) will pose a different challenge when the two sides meet in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite last-16 first leg tonight.

The Japanese club edged the Southern Tigers 2-1 during the group stage at the Edion Peace Wing Stadium in Hiroshima last month. However, the contest shifted dramatically after JDT were reduced to 10 men following Jonathan Silva’s red card in the 16th minute.

Gaul expects a far sterner examination at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

“It will be a tough match – not just because of the temperature, but also the opponents. They will be intense,” said the Polish coach.

“But we are ready to take the next step. We want to enjoy the match and the atmosphere.”

Reflecting on their previous encounter, Gaul acknowledged the circumstances that influenced the outcome.

“In the last game, we knew how they would start. They waited for opportunities, relied on counter-attacks and second balls. It wasn’t an easy start for us,” he said.

“The red card changed the match. JDT have good individual qualities. They had to defend and fight together. It’s difficult to analyse that match now because this time it will be 11 versus 11 and perhaps a different style of play.”

Gaul was tight-lipped when asked to single out any JDT player as a key threat.

“I don’t like to speak about individuals. They have good players with great technical quality and some key players, but I can’t divulge much,” he said.

“I’m more focused on us. We need the self-confidence to control the game and keep their attacks at bay.

“We have every player available and ready to play, which is important. We have a good squad and I trust every player and the overall quality.

“The starting eleven from last month could feature again, or it could be different.”