JDT's new faces make instant impact
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta'zim coach Xisco Munoz says his side are only just finding their rhythm despite a commanding 5-0 win over UM-Damansara in the FA Cup round of 16 first-leg tie, a result that highlighted the champions' depth.
'It's very important because some players never played together before, and they had a good connection tonight,' said the Spaniard after the match.
'I'm happy with the players who debuted – they understood our style, they gave intensity, and most importantly, they showed ambition.'
At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Saturday, Argentine wingback Jonathan Silva proved the catalyst, breaking the deadlock with a sharp finish in the 44th minute before doubling the lead 10 minutes into the second half.
From there, JDT's new faces stepped into the spotlight. Spanish forward Teto Martin marked his debut with a goal in the 78th minute, while national striker Joao Figueiredo (90th) and young winger Celso Bermejo (91st) capped the rout.
For Munoz, the result was less about the scoreline and more about the progress of his reshaped squad.
Several players were handed their first starts, and the coach was eager to emphasise that the performance showed signs of chemistry developing.
'Once we scored the first goal, the game became more open. After that, we had more chances, more intensity in the wide areas, and the team played with better rhythm.'
The coach also singled out Bermejo, the 20-year-old debutant who scored within minutes of coming on.
'He came in with ambition, and for a striker, the most important thing is to score. It gives confidence, and for us, it shows we have players pushing every single day to give their maximum.'
Still, Munoz stressed that August was far too early to talk about peak form. With multiple competitions ahead – including the AFC Champions League where JDT face three Japanese clubs – the Spaniard underlined the need for patience.
'In my life, when I learn something, it's because I make a mistake first. So we will make mistakes, but we will improve,' he said.
'Every day, we try to build better connections, better solutions, and the most important thing is that when you are in JDT, you must always give your maximum.'
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