TMJ reveals personal investments to support JDT

SHAH ALAM - Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has admitted to being under pressure to oversee the team, particularly in terms of finances and player welfare.

In a recent podcast appearance, Tunku Ismail compared managing JDT to looking after "thirty-two pampered and affluent toddlers."

He said that players "always want more," and that it can be difficult to keep them motivated, especially those who have already achieved great success.

"A club may appear superior on the outside, but the job is often difficult behind the scenes.

"How do I ensure athletes like Farizal Marlias, Fernando Forestieri, and Safiq Rahim, who have achieved great success, don't feel as though they would never win anything?" Tunku Ismail questioned.

Tunku Ismail also revealed that JDT, despite its status as a 10-time Super League champion, is not immune to financial problems.

"Managing a football team is difficult since it requires significant financial investment with very little yield in the form of gains.

"Financial pressure in football, particularly in our nation, is really, extremely high.

"Even with the extensive support and sponsorship that JDT receives from global businesses, we nevertheless face challenges," he said.

Tunku Ismail said that he and his father, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, have had to use their own money to support the club at times.

"Sometimes I and Duli Tuanku (Sultan of Johor) had to spend our own money and that was a bit disappointing," he said.