ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Esteban Solari has sent out a clear warning to Kawasaki Frontale of Japan that the Southern Tigers are in the mood for revenge when the two teams meet in Group I of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League next Tuesday.
His show of bravado is all the more perplexing since JDT will be travelling to the home of the four-time J-League champions — the Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium. But Solari’s not fazed, saying he is confident his men can beat Kawasaki Frontale at their home ground the way the Japanese club defeated them 1-0 in their own backyard at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium back in September.
“We know we will play against a big team (Kawasaki Frontale) and, as I said before, it will not be an easy game at all. “But we have shown that we are a competitive team, we will compete with the same spirit and try to win the game,” he told a press conference after his team had defeated Kuching City FC 2-0 in the Super League here on Thursday night.
JDT kicked off the 2023/2024 Asian Champions League campaign on home turf in disappointing style, losing 1-0 to Kawasaki on Sept 19.
This time, Solari is convinced that his men are more focused and motivated as they know the importance of the tie. “We are strong in defence and attack, and we believe we can do it (win), which is our target,” he said. Kawasaki Frontale lead Group I with 12 points as JDT sit in third position with six points, level with Ulsan Hyundai who are ahead on goal difference. Thai club BG Pathum United prop up the standings with zero points. – BERNAMA
