ACLE: Munoz Demands High Intensity, Urges Team To Not Underestimate Port FC

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz expects nothing less than maximum intensity and total focus from his side as the Southern Tigers gear up for tomorrow's AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) clash against Port FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

Munoz reminded his squad to not consider tomorrow's match as an easy task, despite the Thai squad's recent defeats.

"We cannot expect the match tomorrow is going to be easy. I think it is a big mistake and we are not going to do that," he said in a pre-match press conference at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here, today.

He reiterated that his team must come into the game with full energy, ambition and character from the first minute to the last.

Addressing Port FC’s plan to play a compact, defensive style and exploit open spaces, Munoz said his squad is prepared for various tactical situations.

He added that opposing teams often arrive with different strategies, prompting his coaching staff to prepare multiple scenarios and solutions to counter their opponents' moves.

Therefore, Munoz highlighted the need for continuous tactical adjustments to adapt effectively throughout the 90 minutes.

Echoing his coach's sentiment, experienced midfielder Natxo Insa acknowledged that Port FC are formidable opponents who will battle hard until the final whistle. 

Insa cautioned against overconfidence, stressing that maintaining hard work, commitment and humility is essential as the Southern Tigers target another vital step forward in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Port FC head coach Bozidar Bandovic acknowledges the steep challenge awaiting his side against JDT and urges the squad to give everything to secure a positive result.

He highlighted JDT’s tactical organisation, physical intensity and dangerous individual quality, particularly in attack.

"It will be a difficult game for us. We are playing against a very good, well-organised team in both attack and defence, with strong transitions and individual quality," he said.

Port FC defender Manuel Tom Bihr expressed his excitement at playing at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, describing JDT as one of the biggest clubs in Southeast Asia.

However, he pointed out that JDT striker Bergson da Silva as a primary threat that the defense must closely monitor.

-- BERNAMA