1 week Ago By Farah Azharie
KUALA LUMPUR: Dominant Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), it is said, has made Malaysian football predictable. But unpredictability still lies in the Malaysia Cup final. Their opponents in tomorrow's showdown at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Sri Pahang have done it before — thwarting JDT in the 2014 final.
Pahang have the know-how to succeed at this level, having also won the storied trophy on three other occasions — in 1983, 1992 and 2013. And four years ago, KL City proved once again the seesawing nature of the Malaysia Cup by stunning mighty JDT 2-0 in the final. But all said, JDT, who are gunning for their fifth Malaysia Cup title since 2017, will inevitably start as favourites.
The Southern Tigers purr with quiet confidence instead of beating their chests with loud growls. JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio insists that cup finals are a different beast altogether. "All finals are difficult, and we need to focus on ourselves.
I don't think too much about the rivals or their players. Sri Pahang are in the final because they've played very well. "For us, it's about keeping our momentum and finishing this season the best way possible," said Bidoglio during the pre-match press conference today.
Though JDT have already won the Super League, FA Cup and Charity Shield this season, Bidoglio is not one for complacency. "You know, JDT is a big club, and we have a responsibility to improve every day, every season. I'm happy to follow the philosophy of the club, to follow our boss' ideas.
The players are in a good moment, but we must give our 100 per cent. Finals are difficult, and Sri Pahang is a very good team," said the Argentine coach. While JDT boast an enviable depth and star-studded squad, Bidoglio remains grounded, constantly reminding his team of football's unforgiving nature.
"In one minute, you can lose everything. "We need to play dynamic, intense, compact, serious football. I believe in my players because I've seen how they've worked all season.
" On Pahang's win over JDT in the 2014 final, Bidoglio refused to be drawn into the past. "I don't like to imagine what happens after. First, we need to play these 90 minutes.
Football is 11 versus 11, and for me, that makes it even," he said. JDT captain Natxo Insa said: "This could be my last. When you reach this stage of your career, you enjoy every day, every training.
That gives me the motivation to give my 100 percent," said Insa, who joined JDT in 2017 and has been a rock in midfield since. The Spanish-Malaysian added: "We respect everyone. It doesn't matter the game, the competition.
We must always perform. This discipline and focus allow us to approach every match the right way, especially finals."© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
