Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Guangzhou: Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic backed his players to prove their credentials as continental champions as the AFC Champions League holders face a must-win tie with 2013 winners Guangzhou Evergrande on Tuesday.
Having slipped to a late defeat at home to Japan’s Kashima Antlers a fortnight ago in their penultimate Group H tie, the A-League side’s return to the knockout stage is now dependent not only on a victory in southern China over group winners Guangzhou, but also on the result between Kashima and Korea Republic’s FC Seoul who share second place in the standings.
A draw between the Japanese club and their Korean visitors coupled with a win for Popovic’s team would see Western Sydney progress, but any other combination of results and the Australians’ defence of their title would end at the first hurdle.
“We are the underdogs in this game, but we will use this chance to prove people wrong,” said Popovic, who led his side to quarter-final success against Guangzhou over two legs on their way to claiming last year’s title.
“We’re very happy to be here again. We played a very tight game last year here and we’re now expecting another one against this great team,
“They’re in good form but we are the AFC Champions League champions and it is not our way to focus on the opponent.
“I know they’re a great team but this going to be a motivation for us. We will try anything to win the match.”
Western Sydney will have to so, though, without a trio of suspended players as Kearyn Baccus, Yusuke Tanaka and Kerem Bulut are all ruled out.
Along with these absences, coach Fabio Cannavaro believes that the pressure on Western Sydney to claim all three points at the Tianhe Sport Centre Stadium will create openings for his Guangzhou side.
“I know our opponent will play aggressively because they have to win to qualify. We can take advantage of this opportunity,” said the Italian World Cup winning captain, who helmed his side to a 3-2 win over Western Sydney in their Matchday Two meeting at Parramatta Stadium.
“I always hope we can win every game, so, of course, we will target the win. From experience we often encounter more difficulties when facing so-called underdogs – so we’d better make sure we maintain our focus.
“But as we have already qualified as the group winner, we should also play without pressure.”
Photo: WSG