Melbourne Victory have launched their Asian Champions League campaign, mindful of the challenge ahead but still confident of finally leaving a footprint on the continent.
Shanghai SIPG were confirmed on Tuesday night as Victory’s first-up opponent after the Chinese heavyweights won through a playoff against Thai outfit Muangthong United.
The Sven-Goran Eriksson-managed club join two former Asian Champions League (ACL) winners in Gamba Osaka and Suwon Bluewings in an intimidating group for Kevin Muscat’s side.
The A-League champion coach knows the scale of the task to qualify as one of the top-two sides into the knockout stages.
“It’s a tall order but it’s a challenge we will take on head on,” he said.
Shanghai are part of China’s intriguing spend-a-thon, bringing Brazilian forward Elkeson to the club for $30 million.
Muscat said he was just one of many people taking note.
“When (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger is having to address it in his weekly press conference, you know that it’s capturing the imagination,” he said.
“I just hope Shanghai don’t make any last-minute signings because their window is still open for a couple of weeks and bring in a few more players because it’s going to be difficult enough.”
Muscat and acting captain Leigh Broxham have experienced five campaigns with the club, for five group-stage exits.
The coach said he wasn’t motivated by correcting history, but by testing his group of domestic champions against Asia’s best.
His first problem will be selecting which of his title-winners miss out on the ACL ride.
ACL regulations only allow three foreign players per club, meaning two of Victory’s five international stars – Matthieu Delpierre, Gui Finkler, Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Besart Berisha and Kosta Barbarouses – will get the chop.
Muscat said he was yet to confirm who would be leaving their passports in their drawers.
“The conversation will first be had with the players,” he said.
“It will be unfortunate (for those who miss) but we have analysed the opposition thoroughly, understanding where their strengths and weakness lie.
“We will select a squad that we think is best suited for us to get through the group.”
Muscat confirmed he wouldn’t be making an 11th-hour Asian signing to join the group before lodging his squad within the next week.
Melbourne Victory’s 2016 ACL campaign
* February 24 – Victory v Shanghai SIPG, AAMI Park
* March 2 – Gamba Osaka v Victory, Suita City Football Stadium
* March 15 – Victory v Suwon Bluewings, AAMI Park
* April 6 – Suwon Bluewings v Victory, Suwon World Cup Stadium
* April 19 – Shanghai SIPG v Victory, Shanghai Stadium
* May 3 – Victory v Gamba Osaka, AAMI Park
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