Roar boss John Aloisi conceded a fresher Muangthong United proved to be a difficult opponent in their 0-0 draw at Brisbane Stadium on Tuesday night.
In Brisbane’s opening Group E clash in the ACL, the Hyundai A-League side huffed and puffed but couldn’t put the eye-catching Thais away on matchday 1.
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“It was a difficult night. They made it hard for us, they were a good team like we knew they would,” Aloisi told Fox Sports.
“They were a bit fresher than us and that’s their strongest XI, and we had to make a few changes due to injury and fatigue.
“But I can’t fault the [Roar] players, it was a hard night, at least we go something out of it.”
Aloisi praised his younger players, such as Ingham, Caletti and Crestani, saying they’ll gain valuable experience in the ACL.
“Those boys are now starting games and are going to gain from this experience we’re having.”
The draw puts pressure on Roar to pick up points on the road with difficult trips away to come, particularly against J-League outfit Kashima Antlers, who defeated Urawa Red Diamonds in the Japanese Super Cup last weekend.
“We’re confident we can go to other places and win away from home,” the Roar boss added.
In the other Group E game, Kashima defeated Ulsan Hyundai 2-0 in Japan.
Ulsan next host Roar on Tuesday night. And the Thais host the Antlers on the same night at the Supachalasai in Bangkok on matchday 2.
Before that, Roar host Phoenix this Saturday in the Hyundai A-League.
