ALTHOUGH KL City coach Bojan Hodak and his Penang counterpart, Tomas Trucha are close friends, they do not offer favours to each other on the pitch.
In fact, Hodak wants to pile more pressure on Trucha when both teams meet in today's Malaysia Cup Group A match at the City Stadium.
The City Boys started their campaign on a bright note by overcoming Sri Pahang 3-1 on Sunday, while Penang suffered a 3-1 defeat to Premier League runners-up Sarawak United.
Hodak said his boys want to inflict more pain on the wounded Panthers today.
The 50-year-old Croatian expects his Czech Republic counterpart to offer resistance as both teams know each other's game well after crossing swords in the Super League.
Penang edged KL 1-0 at home on March 6 before the former avenged their defeat by winning 3-1 in Cheras on May 4, both in the Super League.
"The momentum is on my team. There is no pressure going into this match.
"I believe Penang will be all out to bounce back from their earlier defeat, but we will be ready for them," said Hodak yesterday.
"Even if we lose, it will not be the end of us as there are many more matches left in the competition.
"Trucha and I have a common friend. He had asked me about Penang before signing with them. For 90 minutes, we will be rivals, but our friendship will resume after the final whistle.
"Penang are a good side with physically gifted players. Trucha has a good mix of juniors and seniors and has managed to get the best out of his players.
"I know that Penang score most of their goals from set-pieces and crosses. We have studied their tactics and have come out with a plan to stop them."
Hodak had guided KL to a respectable sixth-placed finish on their return to the Super League.
They were unbeaten at home and had the second-best defensive record in the competition.
However, he distanced himself when asked whether KL are good enough to qualify for the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.
"It is too early to say as we have many more matches to play. Things could change in the coming weeks.
"We will take one game at a time and from there, see how things develop," he added.
Meanwhile, Trucha said his team will change their pattern of play when they face KL today.
"We have to strengthen our defence and flanks to win the next match. Hodak's side will be in for a surprise tomorrow."