KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have denied that veteran goalkeeper Farizal Marlias no longer has a future at the club.
Farizal was partly blamed for the 5-0 thrashing by Urawa Red Diamonds in an Asian Champions League (ACL) match on Aug 19.
On Monday, Farizal, 36, was dropped to the bench as second-choice keeper Haziq Nadzli kept goal in the 4-0 win over Melaka United in a Super League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
JDT scored through Fernando Forestieri (13th minute) and Bergson Da Silva (33rd, 42nd and 85th).
Coach Hector Bidoglio said: "The decision (not to play Farizal) had nothing to do with the ACL result.
"Farizal is still an important player to the club. Haziq needs game-time to improve," said Bidoglio on Monday.
"We played good football against Melaka, and I am happy with the result."
JDT are still unbeaten in the league and lead the standings with 41 points from 15 matches.
Going by their form, the Southern Tigers are expected to win their ninth straight league crown this season.
JDT will travel to MBPJ Stadium next to face Selangor on Saturday ahead of the FA Cup final against Terengganu at National Stadium on Sept 10.
"We have two crucial matches coming up, and we will play our best available players for favourable results," he added.