JDT ‘streets ahead’ of domestic rivals, now targeting Asian success: Alistair Edwards

KUALA LUMPUR — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have set their sights on conquering Asia after establishing themselves as the dominant force in Malaysian football, with chief operating officer Alistair Edwards declaring the club “streets ahead” of their domestic rivals. Edwards said the Southern Tigers were increasingly measuring their progress against Asia’s leading clubs rather than their Malaysian counterparts, with competitions such as the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) providing a more meaningful benchmark. Speaking to British content creator Emmanuel Brown, the Australian said JDT’s superiority in the domestic game was reflected in their sustained success and unbeaten runs. “Generally, we’re just kind of streets ahead. That’s why we get the unbeaten run. That’s why I love the Asian Champions League and the Shopee Cup (Asean Club Championship), because you’re playing against top Asian teams,” he said. Edwards added that JDT’s ambitions extended beyond collecting domestic silverware, with their performances against established Asian powerhouses offering a clearer indication of the club’s progress. “When we play in the Champions League, we beat the Korean champions, we beat the Japanese champions, and we’re playing at this level,” he said. “Playing in the Asian Champions League, it’s the top level. It’s like the (UEFA) Champions League. That’s where you want to test yourself, against the best teams and the best players in Asia.” The former Australia international said competing against stronger opposition was crucial to JDT’s development, as the club continued to raise its standards and establish itself on the continental stage. Since their restructuring in 2013, JDT have dominated the domestic scene, winning 10 consecutive Super League titles, securing multiple domestic quadruple sweeps and becoming the first Southeast Asian club to lift the AFC Cup in 2015. Their sustained success has reinforced their position as Malaysia’s benchmark club, while their participation in continental competitions has become a central part of their broader ambitions. Meanwhile, JDT chief executive officer Luis Garcia said the club’s attacking identity and relentless intensity were driven by the vision of owner and Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. Garcia said Tunku Ismail had made it clear from their first meeting that he wanted JDT to play a brand of football that was entertaining and exciting to watch, with the team’s style reflecting that ambition. “One of the first sentences that the boss told me when I met him is, ‘I want to fall in love with the football that I see, the football of my team.’ And that’s what we try to do,” Garcia said. He explained that the club’s approach centred on aggressive football, pressing high up the pitch and ensuring players were comfortable in possession, while constantly moving to create space and attacking opportunities. “We like to have really aggressive football, high pressure, players who have ability with the ball, a lot of movement, running through channels and creating a lot of options,” he said. “That’s what His Royal Highness wants, and we are trying to do it in every game.” Garcia’s remarks underline JDT’s commitment to maintaining a recognisable playing identity, with the club seeking to combine domestic dominance with performances capable of competing against Asia’s best. For JDT, the challenge is no longer simply to remain at the summit of Malaysian football, but to translate that superiority into sustained success against the continent’s elite. - October 26, 2026 The post JDT ‘streets ahead’ of domestic rivals, now targeting Asian success: Alistair Edwards appeared first on Scoop .