Head coach Nidzam Jamil admitted that fine margins and sustained concentration were the key differences following Negeri Sembilan FC’s narrow defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim in the Liga Super 2025–26 clash at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman on 9 January.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Nidzam stressed that elite-level football demands unwavering focus from the first minute to the very last.
“At the top level, football requires full concentration from minute to minute. At the moment, that is the difference between us and JDT,” he said.
The Negeri Sembilan head coach acknowledged JDT’s maturity and ability to maintain intensity throughout the match, even deep into stoppage time.
“They have gone through this process before. Their development is very good. Even after 90 minutes, they are still able to keep the same intensity and take risks in attack.”
Focus, Not the Clock
Addressing questions over extended stoppage time and the late goal conceded, Nidzam was clear that the core issue was not the number of added minutes, but game management and focus.
“This is not about whether it was nine, ten or twelve minutes. The issue is focus. We cannot control the clock or the atmosphere. What we can control is how we play and how we close the game.”
He added that Negeri Sembilan had managed to stay competitive until the closing moments, but failed to kill the game when the opportunity arose.
“We controlled the match until the 96th or 97th minute. But in football, if you don’t manage the small details, you will be punished. Two or three minutes earlier, we could have slowed the game down and closed it better.”
A Valuable Lesson Against the Best
Despite the disappointment, Nidzam viewed the encounter as an important learning experience for his squad.
“This is the second time we’ve conceded very late, and that means we have to learn how to become ‘big men’ in this league. These are lessons you learn when facing teams like JDT.”
He also praised his players’ commitment and effort against an opponent with depth and quality across the pitch.
“In terms of commitment, I have no issue at all. The players worked hard. But JDT’s quality and the tempo they maintain for 90 minutes is what really tests us.”
Nidzam concluded by reiterating that growth at this level comes through experience, discipline, and the ability to manage crucial moments.
“This is football. These lessons will shape us moving forward.”
