PETALING JAYA: It will be easy for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to underestimate Thai club Port in their AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite group match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today.
The side from up north were thrashed 5-1 by Kashiwa Reysol in their previous match and also lost their opener to Vissel Kobe 2-1.
That may make them easy meat for the Southern Tigers, but captain Natxo Insa was quick to put a leash on his teammates to prevent complacency.
The 40-year-old Insa, who has been with JDT since 2017, certainly knows better when it comes to discipline and giving opponents their due respect.
“Port may have started poorly in the competition but we still see them as tough opponents.
‘‘They are a team of fighters who won’t give up till the final whistle,’’ said Insa, who was born in Spain but has Malaysian heritage.
‘’So we’ll be asking for trouble if we expect an easy game.’’
As for coach Xisco Munoz, he wants JDT to maintain their momentum after their 3-0 win over Pohang Steelers last week. He has also urged the supporters to turn up in force.
“Port are currently among the top sides in the Thai League and we must stay focused to beat them and keep our winning momentum,’’ said Munoz.
