PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan head coach Daniel Gimenez knew what his side were up against when they faced Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), but praised his players for showing courage in defeat.
The Southern Tigers underlined their dominance at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium by beating Negri 3-0 in the Super League on Friday.
Gimenez admitted there was a stark difference in performance and quality between the two sides, with JDT scoring twice before half-time.
“JDT players are on a different level. They have quality. I told my players that they are playing at AFC Champions League Elite level, while we are just a Super League club,” said Gimenez.
“However, we were not afraid of JDT. They were just stronger than us. Our team fought as best they could and pushed their limits. I’m proud of them.”
JDT’s Shahab Zahedi put his side ahead in the 12th minute before Bergson da Silva doubled their lead in the 31st minute.
Marcos Guilherme came on in the second half to score the third goal in the 66th minute.
Meanwhile, JDT head coach Xisco Munoz said his side needed to avoid giving their opponents counter-attacking opportunities.
“We need to improve our decision-making in defensive moments. We can’t afford to relax and make silly mistakes.
“If we leave the door open in certain situations, they will find a way through,” he said.
