Johor Darul Takzim FC (JDT) head coach Bojan Hodak says he is not overly concerned about the absence of captain Aidil Zafuan Radzak and winger Nazrin Nawi, who are both suspended for the Malaysia Cup final against Pahang FA on Saturday.
With the showcase match slated to be played in front of a full house crowd of 90,000 in Kuala Lumpur, the Southern Tigers will have to copel with the loss of their two key players. Aidil, in particular, was seen as key to thwarting the attacking impetus of Pahang imports Dickson Nwakaeme and Matias Conti.
In the absence of Aidil, Hodak has been forced to try out different defensive combinations alongside Fadhli Shas. Midfielder Hariss Harun and Brazilian defender Marcos Antonio have been battling it out for Aidil's position in the starting lineup.
As reported in the New Straits Times, Hodak said: "Aidil has been excellent throughout the season while Nazrin played quite well in recent matches. I have to admit their absences are a big blow but we have options so I am not too worried.
"Antonio is not 100 per cent fit but we will monitor his condition for the next few days. The others are fine while Shakir Shaari will be available for selection."
Hodak has a good winning record in finals after managing Kelantan FA to the treble (Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup) in 2012. This season, he guided JDT to the Malaysian Super League (MSL) title, yet he still hasn't finalised his strategy for the biggest domestic game in Malaysian football.
"I have not decided on tactics... whether my team should go for broke from the whistle or play cautiously against Pahang." he said. "With Aidil's suspension, I may have to choose between Luciano Figueroa or Pereyra Diaz in attack as I may play Hariss and Antonio. But Shakir's availability gives me options,"
Both teams will be going for the double as Pahang were proud winners of the FA Cup under Zainal Abidin's tutelage.