Football

JDT ready for teams that park the bus

KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) are eager to land their second straight FA Cup title and are prepared for opponents who decide to park the bus against them.

JDT coach Esteban Solari today said he would not be surprised if Penang employed a defensive game when the two sides meet in the FA Cup quarterfinals at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tomorrow.

"It is a (common) strategy and whoever comes here (Sultan Ibrahim Stadium) will usually do this.

"We are prepared. We know how to attack a team that plays on the counter attack or (a) sitting (game).

"If a team parks the bus, we can find a solution. But our strategy is not just about attacking. We can also defend.

"We want to give fans the satisfaction (they deserve) by winning the game."

Penang assistant coach Md Noor Md Derus said the two matches they played against Sri Pahang and Terengganu had taken a lot out of them.

Noor, however, said the pressure was on JDT.

The last time the two sides met, which was during the FA Cup semi-finals last year, JDT won 6-1.

"It's tough because we played Sri Pahang, then Terengganu and now JDT.

"We have to make sure the team is balanced because we have players who have played in two games straight.

"We are not thinking too much about reaching the semi-finals, but if we do, it would be an accomplishment.

"I don't think there is any pressure on us. It's like the tortoise and the hare. It looks impossible, but if we have some luck, we can do it."

The winner will face either Negri Sembilan or Selangor in the semi-finals.

FIXTURES

FA CUP QUARTER-FINALS

Tomorrow

SABAH v KL CITY

(Likas Stadium, 5:45pm)

JDT v PENANG

(Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, 8:15pm)

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