They’re having a horror A-League season but Western Sydney insist they won’t have a point to prove when they kick off their Asian Champions League defence on Wednesday night.
The reigning ACL champions face J-League giants Kashima Antlers on Wednesday having arrived in Japan fresh off their last-gasp 2-1 loss to Adelaide United at the weekend – their 10th defeat in 16 A-League games.
From the dizzying heights of becoming the first Australian club to win the prestigious Asian competition just three months ago, Tony Popovic’s side enter their title defence having sunk to the humbling lows of sitting dead last on the A-League ladder with only one win to their name.
But midfielder Shannon Cole insists their domestic malaise won’t provide added fuel to do well on Wednesday.
“That’s not the case, we won’t be out to prove a point. This is a separate competition so it’s a fresh start,” he said.
“You don’t need extra motivation to come into the champions league and want to do well. It’s the champions league and it’s above all else.
“If you don’t have motivation for this tournament then you’ll never be motivated.
“The A-League is not really in the forefront of our minds at the moment, the biggest tournament in Asia is what we’re focussed on.”
Kashima have never lifted the ACL trophy, but the J-League outfit are the most successful Japanese club, having won a record seven J-League titles, the League Cup five times and the nation’s main knockout competition, the Emperor’s Cup, four times.
The Wanderers’ new Japanese imports Yusuke Tanaka and Yojiro Takahagi along with Socceroos defender Matthew Spiranovic will know exactly what to expect from Kashima, having all spent time in the J-League.
Cole says their knowledge has helped the Wanderers prepare.
“Kashima are very technical, they’re sharp, they’re quick and they like to keep hold of the ball,” Cole said.
“But we’re very well prepared.
“It’s the first game of the champions league and their fans are going to be pumped. So it won’t be easy but we thrived on that last year.”
Striker Brendon Santalab was ruled out of Wednesday’s clash after injuring his shoulder in Saturday’s loss to Adelaide.
The 32-year-old is due to undergo scans this week with fears his season could be over.
But the injury could open the door for controversial striker Kerem Bulut.
Bulut joined Western Sydney to play in the ACL, but could be brought into the A-League squad as an injury replacement for Santalab.
The 23-year-old, who was charged with gang-related crimes in 2010, is likely to feature on Wednesday and Cole says he’s a great addition to the side.
“He’s got a lot of passion and he’s hungry to play and hungry to do well,” Cole said.
“I’m sure people will be excited to see him play.”
ciudadmarron
Guest
Cole is proven in the ACL, one of our best players in last years campaign. We've had to rely on him as utility for a whole lot of different reasons as well. He's not the best player going around at any stretch but you can't fault him for effort. Behind the scenes he is a club man.
Josh
Guest
That was hardly an own goal in the traditional sense.
britesparke
Roar Rookie
Popovic has stated that their main focus is on the ACL "above all else". Hey and guess what? First match against Kashima Antlers (multiple Japanese champions) wallah! A win away (3-1) with admittedly a gimme in there of an own goal but we will take it! Well done boys! :)
Catnap
Guest
Is this a reflection of the clubs attitude to the payment to the players for winning the champions cup I know that if it was me I would be filthy on the clubs attitude to the players!!!!
Matthew Skellett
Guest
This is the SBS article right ? Shannon Cole who time and time again this season in the HAL has proven less than even a mediocre player yet gets regular game time while those more deserving and talented get a fraction of that. No wonder the Club isn't happy . So much for Popa's "player management "- it's ok to give natural justice i understand that but to give players who fail the team the supporters and the club time and time again regular run-on places is just lunacy and inviting trouble . Popa has reaped trouble already -the team plays rubbish most of the time now without breaking a sweat -the team remains rooted on the bottom of the table -below Newcastle that for all their club-wrenching troubles manages to perform better -this is a case of madness really -I'm waiting for the next disgruntled voice to speak out on the home truths -the whole bitter harvest that Popa has sown is still to come .