Central Coast coach Graham Arnold dismissed suggestions extreme weather would hinder his team’s chances against Guangzhou Evergrande.
Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold dismissed suggestions the extreme weather in China would hinder his team ahead of their AFC Champions League last-16 second leg against Guangzhou Evergrande on Wednesday.
Humidity of 84 per cent is expected in Guangzhou on matchday, but Arnold explained to the local media on Tuesday that the conditions were not completely foreign to the visiting Mariners – who need to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg in Gosford.
“We also have thunderstorms in Australia, so it’s not a complete shock,” Arnold said.
“But it was a good thunderstorm, so we didn’t get any longer than 30 minutes at training.
“But in the north of Australia, conditions are very similar to here. We play our football in summer, so we’re used to playing in hot conditions.”
Goalkeeper Mat Ryan agreed, saying the squad were confident of handling the conditions.
“Obviously, it’s our turn to do the travel this time but we (have) come over a day earlier to best prepare us for the match, and we’ve had a session this morning,” Ryan said.
“We’re getting used to the humidity … and by the way the boys performed at training today, we’re all feeling pretty fit and ready to go.”
Arnold dismissed claims motivation would be an issue for his side, with the Mariners’ domestic season complete.
“You don’t need any motivation to play against Guangzhou,” he said.
“Tomorrow night, in front of 30-40 thousand people, massive television audience back in Australia but also in Asia. So the motivation is big for our players.”
Arnold said a holiday was in the making for Central Coast, regardless of the outcome on Wednesday.
“We will have four weeks off after tomorrow night,” he said.
“The players need a holiday after a long season, and then we come back into training and get ready.
“But it’s only one game at a time. First and foremost we have to compete against a very strong Guangzhou Evergrande team tomorrow night.
“(It’s a) very difficult job for us, but it’s a challenge that we love to do.”
Ryan said he rated two of the Chinese Super League side’s foreigners as their biggest threats for the clash at Tianhe Stadium.
“I’ve taken a lot out of the game a week ago.
“You obviously have some very talented players, it’s hard to pick a few, but obviously Muriqui – your winger, who’s very dangerous, scored a good goal and is always a threat to get in behind.
“(Dario) Conca got some good touches on the ball and was very dangerous with his distribution providing the likes of Muriqui service.”
