Unfazed Munoz embraces packed schedule at JDT

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Despite navigating a packed schedule and immense pressure, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz remains unfazed, viewing the situation as the norm for a club expected to perform at the highest level.

The Spanish-born coach describes the current situation as an exciting challenge, saying that every JDT player must be ready to shoulder responsibilities and maintain high momentum in every match.

Munoz noted that although the Southern Tigers underwent significant rotation after their 4-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Penang on Friday, there are still aspects requiring improvement.

"It is certainly not easy to instill motivation and demand 100 per cent performance from the players following a massive 7-2 win previously. Some players displayed a good level of play, while others still need to raise their game.

"This is life at JDT; the standards demanded are extremely high. When you are at a big club, there is no time to rest." "You need to be constantly prepared for the next match," he said.

Munoz also urged his defensive line to show greater maturity and vigilance; despite a consistent defensive performance against Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail's squad, they ultimately conceded a goal in the dying minutes of the match.

"That's football, sometimes we score, and sometimes we concede. However, we need to be more mature, especially during the opening and closing minutes of the game. We must learn from these minor errors," he explained.

JDT advanced to the semi-finals of the FA Cup on a 11-3 aggregate win thanks to goals from Bergson Da Silva, Nacho Mendez, Shahab Zahedi and Manuel Hidalgo. Stefano Brundo replied late for Penang.