Persija prefer to face 'average' Selangor over JDT in AFC Cup

BY        ZULHILMI ZAINAL       Follow on Twitter

The president of Indonesian side Persija Jakarta Ferry Paulus has remarked that they would rather face Selangor over Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the AFC Cup.

Persija have been drawn alongside JDT, Singapore's Tampines Rovers or Geylang International, and Vietnam's Song Lam Nghe An in Group H of the 2018 AFC Cup. However, JDT's participation depends on their success in the AFC Champions League play-offs. If they qualify for the group stage, their place in Group H will be taken over by the next eligible Malaysian side, Selangor.

Ferry told Indonesian football portal BolaSkor.com that JDT are a more formidable side as compared to Selangor or other Malaysian clubs, who he thinks as average.

Ferry Paulus. Photo by Muhammad Ridwan

"Taking on JDT is more challenging because they are frequent participants in the AFC Cup. But I think they will make it through (to the Champions League).

"Hopefully they will qualify and Persija will only have to face Selangor. Selangor in my opinion are just average.

"Against Malaysian sides Persija won't lose. It's the Thai clubs that are challenging as we tend to not do well against them. But not against Malaysian teams, as JDT are the only good team," remarked Ferry.

Coincidentally, Persija have also lost Brazilian centre back Wilian Pacheco to Selangor ahead of the 2018 season, recently.