Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) coach Bojan Hodak is refusing to use a hectic schedule as an excuse as his team prepare for Monday night's semifinal first leg battle with Malaysia Cup surprise packages Felda United at the Selayang stadium.
The Southern Tigers qualified for the last four after defeating Terengganu FA 3-1 just four days ago at Larkin stadium. With minimum rest, key players like Safiq Rahim and Brazilian defender Marcos Antonio have picked up slight knocks and may have to sit out the first leg.
"At this stage, rest is more important than training. I gave the players a break today as they need to recover," Hodak told New Straits Times. "Safiq and Antonio were instrumental in the previous games but I cannot risk them. I will only play them if they get the green light from the trainer. However, I have able replacements. I may reunite Aidil Zafuan Radzak with Fadhli Shas in the centre-back position if Antonio is unavailable."
While he ponders over his own team selection, Hodak knows that his opponents, coached by Irfan Bakti, are in tremendous form. They have the players, he stressed, that can hurt his team's chances of doing the double. JDT won the Malaysia Super League earlier this year so Hodak won't be leaving anything to chance.
He added: "Felda have experienced players and a good coach in Irfan Bakti. Furthermore, veterans Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Shukor Adan are playing their best football.
"We also need to be careful of Felda's attacking options in Edward Junior Wilson, Ndumba Makeche and Zah Rahan Krangar."
After Monday night's first leg, the two teams will come together again on Oct. 25 at the Larkin stadium. The winners will face either Kedah or defending champions Pahang in the 2014 Malaysia Cup final on Nov. 2.