MORAIS BACK TO HELM JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM
Portuguese Morais set to return as JDT head coach
PETALING JAYA: Coach Ulisses Morais is set for a sensational return to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
The 58-year-old Portuguese, who guided JDT to their fourth straight Super League crown last season, resigned as the head coach in February citing “health reasons in the family”.
JDT did not seek a replacement and appointed his deputy Raul Longhi as the caretaker coach instead.
But it seems like his personal matters have been resolved and he is ready to make a comeback.
JDT owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has confirmed Morais’ return but did not reveal when it would take place.
“The reason why I have not looked for or appointed any other coach is that I know Ulisses Morais will return,” said Tunku Ismail in a post on JDT official Facebook account Johor Southern Tigers.
“He had to step away from JDT to settle his family issues in Portugal.
“I feel that among the coaches I have worked with since the transformation of JDT, he (Morais) is the easiest I have worked with and is the best.
“Not just in terms of tactics and playing style but also the way he treats and gets along with the players individually.”
Morais left JDT in good shape in February, winning all their first four league matches and had opened the AFC Cup group campaign in style by thrashing Persija Jakarta 3-0 at home.
The 2015 AFC Cup winners were humiliated by the same opponents 4-0 in the reverse fixture, which led to their group stage exit for their worst-ever continental campaign in three seasons.
They are also out of the FA Cup after being sent packing by arch-rivals Pahang.
Longhi, has at least, ensured JDT remain at the top of the league standings and are six points clear of second-placed Perak.
Tunku Ismail said he was not surprised with JDT’s struggle in Morais’ absence.
“I have not set high hopes on Raul and Ismail Ibrahim because they are the caretakers,” said the Johor crown prince.
“Raul is a great coach. He knows the local players better than anyone at this club as he has been working here for a long time.
“(But) They do have their limitations.”
As if Morais return is not dramatic enough, Tunku Ismail has also dropped another bombshell by saying two of his import signings have “not been good enough” and will be replaced.
He did not name them, but it’s all pointing to French winger Harry Novillo and Brazilian forward Jorge Santos Silva, whom JDT signed earlier this month and made three appearances.
“We have picked two foreign players who I believe are not better than the local players,” said Tunku Ismail.
“Even after signing players for millions, if I see that those players aren’t performing after a few games, they can leave and I will look for their replacements.
“That’s never happened in Malaysian football, but this is JDT.
“JDT is an ambitious club and we have never retained players who are not performing to our expectations,” he said.