JDT aims for AFC Champions League victory despite stiff competition: head coach

KUALA LUMPUR – Facing top teams from neighbours China, Japan and Korea, Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) head coach Benjamin Mora has his work cut out for him if he hopes to emerge victorious in the AFC Champions League.

JDT are drawn in Group I along with Chinese powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande FC, back-to-back J1 League champions Kawasaki Frontal and current K League 1 leaders Ulsan Hyundai FC.

Speaking to The Vibes, Mora said although their opponents boast commendable achievements, the Southern Tigers are worthy of being included on the same level.

“We are also champions and we have been winning a lot of trophies. This is the best club in Malaysia with some of the best players in the country.

“We know the power of the Chinese, Japanese and Korean leagues. These teams are respectable but we are going to work hard while taking advantage of the fans, pitch and heat (climate).

“Also, since we are playing at home, we can provide the players with extra motivation so they can fight as well as possible,” he said.

Since all Group I centralised matches will be played in Johor Bahru from April 15-30, the Southern Tigers will have a massive home advantage for all six group matches.

Mora believes his men will do their level best to progress further in the tournament this year after having ended their previous Champions League campaigns over the past three years in the group stages.

“Although it’s true that we have only been playing in the group stages but every year, we have had better stats, possession average and better functioning of the team.

“We are winning more points every season but it comes down to one thing − JDT versus JDT – we are not competing with others but with ourselves, and with that, we can see how far we can go,” he added.

He emphasised the importance of staying grounded and not letting hope for glory get in the way of each game.

“We need to think − with our feet on the ground − and approach this game by game.

“We can’t predict the future but we know that getting out of the group stage will be the consequence of good games,” said the Mexican.

In terms of preparations, Mora believes having the winning mindset is the starting point, which will then allow other methods of training to fall into place.

“If we want to win, we need to think we can win. If we want to make history, we need to believe that we can make history.

“So, this should be the mindset of the players and the staff altogether to believe that we can do something,” he said.

From that, he said the next step would be to focus on the tactical and physical aspects of the team.

“We need to work on the physicality of the players because having to play competitive matches every three days is not an easy task.

“We have 34 players in the squad and everyone is fit (enough) to give their best and do an excellent job,” he added.

So far, JDT have had a clean start to their Super League campaign with the club not having lost a game. They beat Sarawak United 6-0 in the second match and overcame BRM FC 10-0 in the first round of the FA Cup.

However, Mora does not dwell on large scoring games, instead, he believes it’s more important for the players to gain confidence.

“Although I don’t place so much importance on how many goals we score, but, of course, more goals give you more confidence so that’s good,” said the 42-year-old.

Speaking about Fernando Forestieri, who has been on form lately, Mora said he is adapting well to being in Malaysia and to the team.

“He’s a top player and he comes from Italy − they play good football there − so we know he has the capability and skills to help the team.”

Forestieri joined JDT in January on a two-year contract. He won his first trophy − the Sumbangsih Cup – and scored his debut goal with the club in their 3-0 win over Kuala Lumpur City FC.

Mora did not downplay the importance of winning the AFC Champions League and the significance it would have for the club, Johor and Malaysia.

“It would mean everything for us to get that title − we aim to always win and never stop dreaming of more trophies.

“They don’t charge you a fee to dream so to dream is what we need to do every day and then work hard to transform those dreams into reality.” – The Vibes, April 15, 2022