ISKANDAR PUTERI: The thing that drives Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) is their thirst for glory. And they hope to continue their winning momentum in the 2023 M-League season.
JDT's historic quadruple last season has only increased their desire for more, and they are hungrier than ever for silverware this season.
JDT defender Jordi Amat hopes to help JDT achieve new levels in 2023.
He is expected to start when JDT take on Terengganu in the Charity Cup at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tomorrow.
"We worked hard in pre-season and played games against good-level teams. We are getting stronger every day," Amat told reporters here today.
"We've signed very good players with nice personalities, and they are here to help the team. Our winning mentality is one of our strong points, and they are ready to embrace that.
"We have a lot of respect for Terengganu, who did very well last season. Terengganu's Adisak Kraisorn is a strong player, but we have studied them. We have a big opportunity to start on a positive note."
Juan Muniz and Oscar Arribas are among the new recruits, bolstering up the left wing-back and attacking midfield positions, with Diogo Luis Santo creating a healthy rivalry with Bergson da Silva for the attacking role.
Amat is expected to team up with Shane Lowry and Shahrul Saad in the heart of JDT's defence tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Terengganu are almost a new team under coach Tomislav Steinbruckner, who replaced Nafuzi Zain. The Turtles hope strikers Adisak, Ivan Mamut and Sony Norde will do something positive against JDT.
Terengganu captain Sharul Nizam said: "I can say that things are almost 100 per cent different from Nafuzi's time.
"It will take time for this new squad to build an understanding and knowledge of each other's game.
"Bergson and (Fernando) Forestieri are obviously quality players, and if we are to do well, we have to close down the spaces they like to operate in."
