KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) head coach Hector Bidoglio said their 2-1 win over lowly Kuching City at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Friday fell short of their high standards.
The Southern Tigers, who mauled Selangor 6-1 last month, were far from ferocious against Kuching.
Nonetheless, JDT got full points after Bergson Da Silva and Juan Muniz scored in the 48th and 81st minutes respectively. Kuching struck back through Luiz Welter in the 84th.
"We strive to be intense, dynamic and compact in our play.
"We aim to be the protagonists in every match, but it was challenging to defend effectively today. After we scored, Kuching quickly regrouped, and we struggled with some key rebounds," said Bidoglio.
Comparatively, JDT conceded only seven goals over 26 matches while scoring a remarkable 100 last season, and they have already conceded six goals in just 11 games this season.
However, an unfazed Bidoglio said: "Each season is unique, with different players. My focus is on enhancing individual skill and team cohesion, rather than dwelling on past records."
Kuching coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, commended his players for their efforts. "We are on the right path, aiming to surpass last season's achievements. Progress takes time and we are committed to that journey," said Aidil.