PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have wrapped up a productive pre-season training camp in Spain, with chief executive officer Luis Garcia praising the squad’s commitment as the Southern Tigers turn their attention to the new season.
“Pre-season in Spain is complete, and now we head back to Johor,” said Garcia, who was with the team in Alicante from July 16 to 31, on his social media account on Sunday.
“A lot of hard work, great chemistry and a clear vision focused on our main targets.”
Garcia acknowledged that pre-season training is rarely popular among players but stressed its importance heading into a long campaign.
“Everyone hates pre-season but it’s what everyone needs. Time to work, reconnect as a team and prepare ourselves for the long season ahead. Every session matters, every detail counts, and the standards at JDT remain the same,” he added.
Under Spanish coach Xisco Munoz, JDT played eight friendly matches during their training camp, recording two wins, five draws and one defeat.
The Malaysian champions beat CD Contestano 8-0 and FC Cartagena 2-0, drew with Rangers (2-2), Elche (0-0), UD Castellonense (1-1), Asociacion de Futbolistas Espanoles (1-1) and Qatar Sports Club (2-2), while their only defeat was a 3-2 loss to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
JDT will play their next friendly against English Premier League club Chelsea at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Saturday.
The club also bolstered their squad during the Spain trip by signing Spanish winger Juan Diego Molina Martinez, better known as Stoichkov, from Segunda Division runners-up Deportivo.
