JOHOR Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are not afraid of taking on South Korea’s Pohang Steelers in today’s Asian Champions League (ACL) Group G clash in Bangkok.
JDT and Pohang have one win each, with the former in second position on goal difference behind leaders Nagoya Grampus of Japan.
JDT coach Benjamin Mora is determined to guide his team to their second straight victory today.
He believes his players are motivated to make an impression following last week’s 1-0 win over Ratchaburi.
“I think motivation is key in any competition, so we need to know what we want and how to get it,” said Mora yesterday.
“Mentally, we are in a very good place as JDT are playing in Asia’s most prestigious club competition.
“Pohang are a good team, and we expect a tough game tomorrow.
“We will try to get the job done for the points.”
Mora added that JDT have no problems creating scoring opportunities in the ACL.
“We created a lot of chances against Ratchaburi but could not convert most of them. However, the good sign is we can easily create chances during matches.
“If we can continue this momentum, I believe we will get a good result tomorrow. However, we also have to improve on our finishing.
“Overall, we have the quality and the technical ability to get good results. In football, there is always room to improve, and this is one of our assets.
“We know we can improve after every game.”
Pohang, who are playing for the first time in the ACL since 2016, will have to reshuffle their lineup as right-back Shin Kwang Hoon will be serving a one-match suspension today.
Mora’s side also have to be cautious as goalkeeper Farizal Marlias, Mauricio Dos Santos, Leandro Velazquez, La’Vere Corbin-Ong, Bergson da Silva, Natxo Insa and Safawi Rasid are one yellow card away from suspension.
Source: New Straits Times
