JDT outpace Real Madrid fixture strain

Johor Darul Ta zim (JDT) are facing a more intense fixture schedule than Real Madrid over the final three months of the year, according to fixture-density tracking by Asean Football. JDT are set to play 18 competitive matches between October and December across four competitions, including domestic leagues, the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE), and the Asean Club Championship (ACC), while Real Madrid is set for 16 matches.

This heavy fixture load has forced interim national coach Tan Cheng Hoe to leave out key players from Malaysia's national team for upcoming international friendlies against China and Yemen. The decision was made to ensure JDT can manage their demanding schedule and focus on their continental campaigns, which could improve Malaysia's standing in Asian football.

However, the move has raised questions about the impact on the national team's performance and team cohesion.

Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.