JDT Want To Do Well On Both Fronts

11 Mac, 2015



PETALING JAYA: Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) want the best of both worlds – regain the lead in the Super League and retain top spot in the AFC Cup.

JDT coach Bojan Hodak said that his rotation system “is working” and that he plans to give his regulars some breathing space.

“It’s not easy having the same team play in eight matches in 34 days, including two games which went into extra time ... that’s 120 minutes of play. Our aim is to do well in both competitions ...,” said Hodak.

On Tuesday, JDT picked up their second consecutive win in the AFC Cup when they edged Balestier Khalsa of Singapore 1-0 in a Group F match at the Jalan Besar Stadium. They had earlier defeated East Bengal of India 4-1 in the opening match at home last month.

Hodak rested the bulk of the first team against Balestier and started with an all-local line-up before introducing Singapore’s defensive midfielder Hariss Harun late in the game.

National strikers Safee Sali and Mohd Amri Yahyah started upfront but it was defender Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar, who slotted the winner late in stoppage time.

“I’m satisfied with the team’s performance, except for the forwards ... for missing their chances. But I can’t expect too much from them because of the hectic schedule,” said Hodak, who is expected to field the strongest line-up in the Super League match against winless Sime Darby FC on Saturday.

The return of Argentine hotshots Luciano Figueroa and Jorge Diaz will surely boost JDT’s hopes of moving up the Super League standings.

JDT, with seven points, are third in the standings – a point behind joint-leaders Felda United and Perak.

Original source - Eric Samuel, The Star Online www.thestar.com.my