Central Coast Mariners coach Phil Moss is looking to the AFC Champions League to provide the catalyst for a much-needed change in fortune for the reigning A-League champions.
The Mariners are in the midst of a four-match losing streak – their worst run since 2009 – going into their Champions League opener away against South Korea powerhouse FC Seoul on Tuesday.
The match marks the Mariners’ fourth appearance in Asia’s premier club competition, with the club’s best result coming last season when they reached the last 16 before being eliminated by eventual champions Guangzhou Evergrande.
“This has come at a perfect time for us to get away from Australia and come into a camp-style situation and refocus on what is important,” said Central Coast coach Phil Moss.
“Despite the results we have been having lately, it is a very tight knit group.
“We are not far from turning things around.”
Although the K-League season does not commence for another fortnight, Central Coast will face a major challenge at the Seoul World Cup Stadium as FC Seoul are one of the biggest clubs in Asia and they’ve reached two Champions League finals, including last season.
There is also extra local focus on the Mariners as they’ll line up with recent acquisition, former FC Seoul striker Kim Seung-Yong, in their forward line.
“It is a privilege for us to have Kim on our books (against his old club),” said Moss.
“None of us want to let him down, so it is a great challenge for us.”
Defender Eddy Bosnar and forward Mile Sterjovski were both omitted from the squad with back soreness, with the sixth-placed Mariners in the midst of three matches in eight days and a derby against Sydney FC looming on Saturday.
The match in Seoul marks the first of six group stage outings for the Mariners over the coming two months, as it does for Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory who commence their ACL campaigns on Wednesday.
And while some A-League clubs have previously been accused of not taking Asian club competition seriously, Moss says the Mariners are again fully embracing the challenge.
“This is a different style of competition, and a different culture we are faced with so it is an eye-opener for those who haven’t experienced it before,” he said.
“For those that have, this competition is a breath of fresh air and a real privilege to be involved in.”
Timmy
Guest
I think it should be more about quality of performance than the scoreline itself. Personally I wouldn't necessarily say that I would be happy with a 2-0 loss but if we perform to a respectable standard and put up a good show then I will be satisfied.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
I'll be happy with a 2-0 loss tomorrow night. MVFC's home games are the ones where I have high expectations. At least MVFC is there for the 4th campaign. Who knows when we will ever see MHT in the ACL? FC Seoul got a dodgy penalty; Josh Rose misses a fantastic chance to equalise. FCS were the better team, no question ... but, that's what we should expect from any team playing at home.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Stevo, Ryan is better than Reddy Sainsbury is better than Rose Zwaanswijk is better than Seip They were also missing two players tonight through injury if I recall correctly.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
The fact they held FC Seoul to 2-0, away from home, with the huge loss of experienced and talented players, I would say this is a very good result! We have to be realistic about our expectations.
Stevo
Guest
The past is the past. They were not at the races tonight. They could have played FC Seoul at home and the result would have been the same. I now wait to see what happens tomorrow night ;)
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
How conveniently people have forgotten that CCM has basically lost the entire team that dominated the HAL last year. Apart from Bojic & McBreen all the other would walk into any HAL side: Maty Ryan, Tommy Rogic, Patrick Zwaanswijk, Trent Sainsbury , Mike McGlinchey, Oli Bozanic, Pedj Bojić & Daniel McBreen 2-0 loss away from home is nothing unusual. The objective for all HAL teams needs to be: Win 3 at home; try to grab at least 1 point away from home & no big defeats. That should be enough to qualify.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Full time at Sangam Stadium (Seoul WC Stadium), final score: FC Seoul 2 - 0 Mariners Despite being completely outclassed by their opponents, the Mariners dug deep and showed some fight to not lose by more. The gulf in class between the two sides was evident tonight, but the fact Mariners can go home losing only 2-0 to last years ACL runners up, they can hold their heads high and will benefit from the experience gained. It'll surely aid them in their quest to gain the points back at Bluetongue. Fingers crossed the Wanderers can get off to a better start.
Realfootball
Guest
That was a straight red, absolutely no doubt. Missed the pen.
Realfootball
Guest
Watching the second half now. The Mariners are horrible - they look like a pub team on bad day. Huge gulf in class. Mind you this is a poor Mariners team gutted of talent. The fact that Matt Simon and John Hutchinson are starting 11 players says it all. Fingers crossed WSW put on a better show tomorrow night.
Matthew Skellett
Roar Rookie
Hope Poppa has got a few tricks up his sleeve for our game me and my new missus will beeee there and we will beeeeee square!!!!!!! :-)
Stevo
Guest
Ref having a great game LOL. Soft pen and red card.
Matthew Skellett
Roar Rookie
mmmm yes a step up in class needed CCM just not up to it at da mo their campaign over when its only just begun :-/
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Marcel Seip has just picked up a red card for the Mariners.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Less than 10 minutes to go and FC Seoul are just toying with the Mariners. 12 shots to 1.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Just brought Duke on for Ibini. Was a good two minutes of play just then but that's the way its been all night. The gulf in class is evident but the guts and determination by the Mariners is better than what we've seen in recent times in the A-League.
Stevo
Guest
I'm sorry Mariners fans but it's like watching a 2nd division side take on a 1st division side. Phil Moss not doing much and it's the 64min and no changes.
AZ_RBB
Guest
true true. didn't notice how packed the active section was. second goal was top notch but Rose really should've scored earlier.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
FC Seoul 2 - 0 Mariners Classy goal by FC and the Mariners are struggling to even cause trouble. 30 minutes remain.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Considering the capacity is 66,806 and they average 16,000 to 20,000 fans per match, its no surprise the stadium looks empty. Roar play at Suncorp with a capacity of 52,500 and they average 15,000-16,000 and some individuals pick on how many seats aren't filled there.
AZ_RBB
Guest
yeah neither can i. CCM have hardly touched the ball but done a decent job at parking the bus. decent atmosphere considering there are about 500 people in an enormous stadium.