JDT coach Xisco Munoz welcomes CAS ruling allowing heritage players to return but has yet to decide if they will feature against Shan United FC.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz has welcomed the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision allowing seven previously suspended heritage players to return to action.
Munoz said he has not yet decided whether Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel will start in tomorrow’s ASEAN Club Championship match against Myanmar’s Shan United FC.
He added the decision will depend on assessing their overall condition and fitness before finalising the team selection.
“This is positive for us, and we are very happy with this decision for the players,” he said at a pre-match press conference.
“Now we need to decide today what the situation is for both the team and the players, and whether it is possible to include them in the match or keep them on the bench.”
Munoz described the match at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium as crucial, despite Shan United sitting at the bottom of the Group B standings.
He said the Southern Tigers are fully aware of Shan United’s qualities, particularly their pace in transition and defensive organisation.
“Tomorrow will be a tough game. We want to give our best because if we take the three points, we will be very close to progressing to the next stage,” he said.
Shan United FC head coach Han Win Aung said his team is ready to face JDT, widely regarded as the best club in ASEAN.
He added his team will give their best and defend until the final whistle, even though they no longer have a chance to qualify for the next round.
“We will do our best and we will try to get a good result tomorrow; we are focused on good technique, teamwork, and taking advantage of our opportunities on the pitch,” he said.
JDT are currently second in Group B, just behind Nam Dinh of Vietnam, after winning two matches and collecting seven points.
