Johor DT head coach Bojan Hodak has promised all Southern Tigers’ fans that he will be doing his level best to ensure that the club becomes the first ever Malaysian side to qualify for the Asian Champions League.
The tournament was introduced in 2002, and is modeled after the hugely successful UEFA Champions League in Europe, but no Malaysian side has ever been part of it.
However, Johor DT secured a spot in the ACL qualifiers, by winning the Malaysian Super League last year, and the Croatian is already setting his sights on making it to the group stages of the competition.
“Our priority is the Champions League. We will try to go as far as we can. We are at home against Bengaluru,” Bojan told The Star
We have enough quality to beat them. But the second tie against Bangkok Glass would be a stern test as all Thai clubs are tough to beat.
“The third game (against) Beijing Guoan, if we get there, to be honest, will be very, very difficult. As one of the best Chinese teams and top Asian sides, they are definitely the favourites.
“And to travel and play in Beijing in February, when it’s extremely cold … it’s the last place a South-East Asian team would want to be. But then again, in football, you never know.”
Should Johor not making past the qualifiers, they would contest in the group stages of the AFC Cup, where they have been paired with East Bengal, Balestier Khalsa and Kitchee FC/Sun Pegasus.
“I think we have a favourable draw for the AFC Cup. We are playing against a Singapore side … so not much travelling is needed. We should make it to the knockout stage with ease,” he added.
“The best that a Malaysian side has done in the AFC Cup is reaching the last eight … so, our goal is to go further.”
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