JOHOR Darul Ta'zim (JDT) are up against a coach who was their man before.
This was stated by JDT captain Farizal Marlias as the Southern Tigers prepare for tomorrow's Malaysia Cup final against KL City FC.
KL City coach is Bojan Hodak who was in charge of JDT from 2014 to 2015.
"In the final, we will face a former JDT coach (Hodak) who is now with KL," said Farizal yesterday.
"It will definitely be interesting because Hodak knows a little about JDT players.
"But we also know the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team. It will be a thrilling 90 minutes."
Farizal said JDT, who have won this season's Super League title, are determined to retain the Malaysia Cup title.
But he warned his men to be careful against KL City as the rivals are also fired up for the 100th edition of the Malaysia Cup.
"We have achieved our first goal, which is to play in the Malaysia Cup final.
"I am happy with my teammates' commitment. They have worked hard to ensure the journey to Bukit Jalil didn't end, despite JDT playing with 10-man against Terengganu (in the semi-final second leg.
"At JDT, we consider all matches important. No matter how strong or weak our opponent are, we respect them and the final this time is more significant because last season the competition couldn't be held due to Covid-19."
The 35-year-old goalkeeper admitted that it has been hectic for the JDT team as they also had to play in the Asian Champions League apart from the Super League this season.
However, he said JDT's world-class facilities have allowed the players to have a recovery process in an organised manner, and stay fit.
The Pahang-born Farizal, who had won the Malaysia Cup twice - with Negri Sembilan in 2011 and with JDT in 2019 -now eyes a hat-trick of the prestigious trophy.
"In the 2017 Malaysia Cup final, I was just a spectator after I was suspended by the Asian Football Confederation and in 2019, I lifted the trophy.
"Now, we want the Malaysia Cup trophy to close the season on a high," added Farizal.