Southern Tigers Confident, Machida Zelvia Fired Up Ahead Of ACLE Clash

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) remain optimistic ahead of their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2025-26 East Zone group-stage clash against Japan’s Machida Zelvia FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tomorrow.

JDT head coach Xisco Munoz said their main aim for tomorrow’s game is to stay focused on delivering their best performance, especially after losing 2-1 to Thailand's Buriram United in their opening tie on Sept 16.

“We will try our level best. We have good players in the squad, and this is the chance for others to step up. The most important thing is to pick the best starting 11, and for them to give their best,” Munoz told the pre-match press conference here today.

He said this when asked about the Southern Tigers’ preparations for tomorrow after three of their players - Hector Hevel, Joao Figueiredo and Jon Irazabal - were suspended by FIFA from all football-related activities for alleged forgery of documentation to justify their eligibility to play for Malaysia.

Munoz reiterated the importance of JDT’s squad depth in overcoming this setback, insisting morale in the camp remains high.

“It’s important to have control in different parts, especially in midfield. I trust my team as I know their capacity. Against the best teams in Asia, it is always difficult, but we must adapt to situations... sometimes we control, sometimes we suffer.

“For us, it’s about continuing our style, having possession of the ball, and being consistent throughout the game. No switching off because that can cause problems,” he added.

Defender Shane Lowry acknowledged the challenge but stressed the team’s determination to rise to the occasion.

“Everyone in the squad wants to play. Training has been good, morale is good. We know it’s going to be difficult because the Japanese League (J.League) is one of the best in Asia. But these are the games we want to play to test ourselves at the highest level.

“We must avoid losing focus. Japanese teams are technically, tactically and physically strong. These games are about mentality, being switched on for 90 minutes, and knowing that small details can decide the result,” he said.

Meanwhile, Machida Zelvia head coach Go Kuroda said his men are eager to embrace their ACL debut and impose their style of play, having started their campaign with a 1-1 draw with FC Seoul of South Korea.

He expressed confidence in his team’s defensive strength, noting that they have one of the best defensive records in the J.League.

“First of all, this is the first time FC Machida Zelvia are playing in the ACL. It’s tough, but we want to showcase our style and our strength in this competition.

“We don’t want to think too much about our opponents or change too much. Of course, I respect JDT because they are good, but we are prepared to face them,” he added.

Defender Yuta Nakayama echoed his coach’s optimism and called on his teammates to make the most of the opportunity.

“As the manager said, this is our ACLE debut. We are really excited to play. Tomorrow, we’re going to fight strongly and take home all three points,” he said.

-- BERNAMA