KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, whose club swept the Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup titles this year, now claims that they will be the underdogs next season.
This comes after JDT's financial restructuring sees them reducing their budget by 30-40 per cent.
This has led to five coaching staff, including head coach Esteban Solari and six players, including former captain, Aidil Zafuan Radzak, leaving the club.
"Underdogs next year. There are more that will be leaving the club. Saving process," said Tunku Ismail in a post on JDT's social media pages today about their cost-cutting exercises.
"The stadium (Sultan Ibrahim) is rarely full. It's only RM10 for an open ticket. Whatever it is we pray for the club's success. Thank you to everyone who constantly supports us."
Since their rebranding in 2013 which resulted in JDT winning 26 trophies, this is the first time the Southern Tigers are undergoing a major restructuring.
JDT's cost-cutting measures could mean they either have plans to spend on well-known international stars or are bracing themselves for a long and transformative 2024-2025 M-League season.
This year, JDT failed to meet their target of qualifying for the Asian Champions League round of 16 after crashing out in the group stage.