Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Parramatta: Kashima Antlers coach Toninho Cerezo believes his side are ready to take on the physical challenge presented by defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers in Tuesday’s vital Group H clash that could see the loser eliminated from the AFC Champions League.
Despite a stirring 2-1 win against 2013 winners Guangzhou Evergrande last matchday, Kashima sit bottom of the group and must avoid defeat at Parramatta Stadium to keep alive their chances of qualification to the round of 16.
Even a draw might not be enough to extend their campaign, however, should FC Seoul defeat Guangzhou in Tuesday’s other Group H tie in the Korean capital.
Kashima fell to a 3-1 defeat to Western Sydney at home on Matchday One, but Cerezo insists the Ibaraki club have worked on their individual errors, set-piece frailties and physical disparity between the two teams that cost them victory in Japan.
“The game against the Wanderers at home we played well and had a chance to get the three points but there were individual mistakes and we couldn’t get the win,” said Cerezo, who will be without suspended defender Gen Shoji.
"We learned a lot because obviously we had difficulties with the Wanderers' height and physicality at set pieces so we have been preparing for that especially.
“Obviously it’s a must-win game because we lost at home and lost three points. It’s going to be very hard because they’re the home side, but it’s 11 v 11 and we are ready to get victory."
While Western Sydney have experienced indifferent form in the A-League this year, where they remain just a point above bottom club Newcastle Jets, Tony Popovic’s side did manage a 2-1 win over Adelaide United on Saturday; and following a defeat to Guangzhou on Matchday Two they since have split the points with FC Seoul in home and away meetings.
However, should the holders suffer defeat at home to Kashima, they would be eliminated if FC Seoul were to emerge with all three points against Guangzhou, and Popovic will also be without the services of suspended defender Antony Golec.
“We expect a tough AFC Champions League game against a good opponent, but we also know we’re a very good side and we can build on the performances we’ve been having,” said Western Sydney coach Popovic.
“If we can build on that first half against FC Seoul where we were outstanding, we give ourselves every chance of getting the three points that we want.
“Kashima are a very good side, history shows last year they scored lots of goals, they get lots of opportunities and on that day (on Matchday One) we limited them to very little and we will have to do the same again on Tuesday.
“They have hit some form, we are not surprised by that at all, we respect them, we know they’re a very good side, but we’ll be ready for that.”
Photo: WSG