Adelaide United are preparing for the ‘unknown’ as they get set to face Indonesian side Persipura Jayapura in a cut-throat playoff to qualify for the AFC Champions League at Hindmarsh Stadium on Thursday.
Adelaide United are preparing for the ‘unknown’ as they get set to face Indonesian side Persipura Jayapura in a cut-throat playoff to qualify for the AFC Champions League at Hindmarsh Stadium on Thursday.
Adelaide were originally granted automatic qualification into the group stage of the AFC Champions League while Persipura were removed from the competition due to disciplinary reasons by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).
At the request of the PSSI, Fellow Indonesian side Persija Jakarta were to replace Persipura however the AFC blocked the proposal.
Persipura took the matter before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) where the club’s appeal to play in the competition was approved.
The debacle has now thrown up a sudden-death playoff for Adelaide to compete in just days after their 2-1 victory over the Gold Coast on Sunday.
The match may also become a dead rubber if the ruling is reversed when the CAS gives its final verdict in three weeks time, given that Persipura are not supported by either the PSSI or FIFA.
With a lack of preparation and little known knowledge of the reigning Indonesian champions, Adelaide United captain Eugene Galekovic admitted the Reds don’t know what to expect on Thursday night.
“We don’t know what to expect with all the players we’ve never heard of so we’ve just got to worry about ourselves and give our best performance,” Galekovic said.
“If we win we’re through and if we lose we still might be through so it’s a bit of a weird one for us.”
Normally Adelaide’s assistant coach, Luciano Trani will be tasked with guiding the Reds through the knockout clash and possibly even further beyond into the group stage as John Kosmina – whose role on Thursday is yet to be confirmed – does not hold the mandatory A-license to manage an AFC Champions League squad.
Trani echoed Galekovic’s thoughts especially as the Reds have only had highlight reels of their Indonesian opponents to ready themselves for the clash but believed the lack of information would not be a concern come game time.
“They’re unknowns to us … but as long as we play well Thursday night it doesn’t matter who we play against,” Trani said.
“We’ve just seen some of their highlights and they are typically an Asian football side where it’s all technically based and they like to move and go, and get numbers forward of the ball.”
“We have to be wary of those actions and hopefully we’ll get some success through our transition play.”
Persipura will arrive in Adelaide on Wednesday afternoon with only little over 24 hours to prepare.
Galekovic said despite Persiprua’s minimal preparation time he expected a fierce battle with the Asian counterparts who are desperate to qualify.
“Obviously the climate’s a lot different over there (Indonesia) compared to here (Adelaide) and getting in the day before won’t help,” Galekovic said.
“They would have preferred to have a few days to soak it up, but that’s (travelling) part of the game.”
“Mentally they’re going to be ready and will want to go through just as much as we do.”
Assistant coach Luciano Trani agreed, emphasising the importance of the Reds not to treat their Asian counterparts lightly.
“You want to take advantage of any situation but teams have prepared poorly and surprised with unexpected results,” Trani said.
“We just need to make sure our players our mentally and physically prepared to take on a team who are doing well in their league … and have a bit of confidence coming into the game.”
