THE rainy season is affecting Selangor’s preparation for the mouth-watering battle against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals.
This is worrying to Selangor coach B. Satiananthan who is determined to guide Selangor to their 34th Malaysia Cup title.
The Red Giants’ last Malaysia Cup victory was achieved in 2015 when they defeated Kedah 2-0 in the final. The team have not won any title since then.
JDT will entertain Selangor in the semi-final first leg in Larkin on Saturday.
“The rain is hampering our preparation. it is usually heavy every evening. Now we are training mostly in the morning,” said Satiananthan.
Selangor received a boost when Abdul Halim Saari and Syahmi Safari returned from international duty yesterday.
However, Brazilian midfielder Sandro Mendonca and winger Syazwan Zainon are still recovering from injuries.
“We need to double up our efforts in the next few days as we will be taking on the strongest team in the country. It is not going to be easy against the six-time Super League champions,” said the former national coach.
On what he expects in the first leg in Larkin, Satiananthan said: “JDT have 18 players who can turn the game around, and facing them is like playing against a national team.
“They have quality players in all departments, which is why they have been playing in the AFC Champions League.
“Diogo Santo, Gonzalo Cabrera, Leandro Velazquez, Safawi Rasid, Aidil Zafuan Radzak and Mauricio Nascimento are among their quality players.
“As a coach, I am looking forward to this game. They are a strong team, and I can learn a lot from this tie.”
For the record, the last time Selangor defeated JDT in Larkin was in 2013 when the Red Giants won 2-1 in an FA Cup match.
In their last meeting in Larkin in June, Selangor were edged 3-2 in a Super League match.
“I always advise my players to do their best and to work hard. We need to close down spaces and also avoid giving them scoring opportunities in Larkin,” he added.