* JDT still reeling from the 6-1 defeat to Dortmund
* TMJ’s shock resignation as Johor FA president stuns Southern Tigers
Johor FA supremo Brig Gen Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim sent shock waves when he quit as president of the association on the eve of the big match against former kingpins Selangor at the Larkin Stadium on Monday – the only Super League match on the day.
The showdown against the Red Giants comes in the wake of JDT’s 6-1 thrashing at the hands of German giants Borussia Dortmund in a friendly match at the same venue on Thursday.
Selangor too suffered a demoralising 3-1 defeat at the hands of Pahang in their own den at the Shah Alam Stadium in their last league match.
But what happens at “This is Larkin” is a much awaited match as JDT, the defending champions, need to win to stay in contention. Pahang lead the table standings with 33 points while JDT are second with 28 points with a game in hand. Perak are third on 27 points followed by Felda United (25 points) and Selangor (24).
It has been an eventful week for the Southern Tigers but Tunku Ismail’s shock resignation remains a mystery as no reasons were given when Johor FA secretary Mohd Fahmy Yahya made the announcement in the Southern Tigers official facebook late Sunday evening.
Johor State Secretary Datuk Ismail Karim has been appointed as the new Johor FA president.
Putting that aside, JDT suffered the first defeat at the Larkin Stadium this season and it is left to be seen if Selangor can ride on the defeat and inflict more pain on the Southern Tigers.
JDT coach Mario Gomez will have his hands full in planning his match strategies but Argentine star Luciano Figueroa will certainly feature in the first team. Figueroa was not fielded against Dortmund.
Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak had a poor game against the German side was replaced midway in the first half in the match which saw Dortmund score three goals in each half. International Gary Steven Robbat who scored JDT’s consolation goal against Dortmund is expected to play a key role in JDT’s match plans.
Selangor are also wounded following the defeat to Pahang but the ever optimistic Mehmet Durokovic is confident his Red Giants will be able to hold their own at Larkin although it was reported that all is not well with Selangor with allegations of “hidden hands” and infighting which has left the Selangor camp divided.
Still, football fans can expect a bumper crowd at Larkin before the three week break for Hari Raya.
