KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has thrown his support behind the Southern Tigers' key players, stressing that form fluctuations are part of football's natural cycle and not a cause for panic.

"Every player will go through ups and downs. Even Bergson (Da Silva), who some feel looks out of rhythm, is still an important part of the team. Last season, Arif Aiman (Hanapi) started slowly before hitting top form mid-year. This season, he's already performing strongly from the start," said the Regent of Johor.

He pointed to striker Juan Martin Lucero, who endured a barren run before rediscovering his scoring touch.

"Lucero went nine games without scoring, and then once he broke the drought, he couldn't stop. That's football. Players have different cycles, but quality always comes through."

Bergson remains JDT's all-time top scorer and broke the Super League record with 32 goals in a single campaign. Arif has clocked 88 appearances and 24 goals for the Southern Tigers by the age of 22.

Lucero, who featured for JDT in 2016, contributed 27 goals in 37 appearances before continuing his career in South America.

Tunku Ismail also acknowledged that JDT's domestic dominance in recent seasons was not just down to the club's strength, but also the struggles of their rivals.

"Yes, we were strong, but we also have to be honest that other teams were facing financial crises, which affected their performance and spirit towards the end of the season," he said.

"What we achieved from 2021 to 2023 came from the transition we started in 2018, bringing in younger players and new coaching methods. That planning paid off," he said.

Looking ahead, he said JDT's ambitions remain firmly set on the continental stage. "For us, the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) is an honour and recognition. Our target is to push for a fourth consecutive progression. It will not be easy, but that is the level we want to compete at," he said.