Sydney FC goalkeeper Liam Reddy is hopeful the effects of the club’s failed Asian Champions League campaign will be felt in next season’s A-League.
The Sky Blues go into Tuesday’s match against Kashima Antlers in Tokyo out of the running for the knockout stages following a 3-1 loss to Suwon last week in South Korea.
But Reddy believes taking on the best in Asia should prove a boon to the squad as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing title defence in the last A-League season.
“It’s an experience to play in Asia but we’re still disappointed we haven’t qualified,” Reddy told AAP.
“Hopefully a lot of the players get something out of it, playing against quality opponents.
“It’s been good. Always enjoyed playing against the Koreans, Chinese and Japanese and hopefully we can take what we’ve learnt here into next season’s A-League.”
Reddy said while the Sky Blues go into the match without a chance of making the last 16, the team won’t be lacking for motivation at Tokyo Stadium.
“Obviously we don’t want to leave the tournament last in our group so if we can get a result we’ll get third place,” he said.
“Disappointed we can’t make it but we want to finish with a good result and hopefully a win.”
Tuesday’s match is a rescheduled affair after the Antlers swapped their home and away fixtures with Sydney FC in the wake of Japan’s earthquake disaster.
The J-League club didn’t seem troubled by having to play in Sydney on April 13, comfortably beating the Sky Blues 3-0.
Reddy believes the Japanese club caught Sydney unawares in that first match and the Sky Blues will have to be at their best to prevent a repeat on Tuesday.
“They’re going to be sharp,” he said.
“Last time we played them they were a good team and they exposed us.
“We’ll have to prepare our game for them.”
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