Adelaide United Head Coach, Guillermo Amor and defender, Dylan McGowan, insist the team is in excellent physical condition to face Jeju United in their fourth AFC Champions League match on Tuesday night.
The Reds remain at the bottom of the group with only a point and need a win to keep alive their chances of progression to the last 16 of the competition.
It is the second meeting between the pair after playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw on matchday three at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Following the arduous travel time to get to the Korean island of Jeju, Amor revealed the team’s preparation has been great and highlighted the magnitude of the clash.
“We feel very well, it’s true the travel is obviously long,” Amor said.
“But we arrived well in very good condition and we’re preparing for this game well.
“We know the situation now in the table … We’re last at the moment, but we’re here to try and win the game.”
The Spanish boss stated his side will be out to secure the victory, while staying true to the team’s playing philosophy.
“Normally our style is this (a possession-based style),” he said.
“We try to play our style, our football and we believe in this and try to always play for the win.
“It’s good to have respect for Jeju in this case, because they play at home, are strong and have good players.
“But we’re here to play our system and we try to win always and go and attack.”
In the Reds’ past four visits to South Korea, United have managed one win, two defeats and a draw, while their opponents are yet to lose a home match to a Hyundai A-League outfit in the tournament.
Meanwhile, McGowan reiterated Amor’s sentiments, stating the squad will do everything in its power to win the game.
“We’re fit, we’re ready to play and really looking forward to playing here in Korea,” McGowan said.
“We’re prepared to win the game and I think last time we played Jeju it was a very close game.
“Obviously we drew 3-3 and we’re looking to go one better this time and hopefully get the three points.”
The 25-year-old also praised the quality of personnel in the Jeju squad.
McGowan warned his players must prepare for the attacking threats the Islanders pose – in particular a potential aerial assault with striker Frederic Mendy on the field.
“(Frederic) Mendy is a very good player, he’s a tall player,” he continued.
“Last time when he came on a lot of balls were coming in the air and we’ll have to deal with that again.
“Because we’re away from home we expect Jeju to attack and us as a defence and as a team will have to deal with all their players.
“Their Korean players and their foreign players are very good, so we’ll have to play very well to win the game.”
Adelaide United will face Jeju United in their fourth AFC Champions League 2017 group stage match on Tuesday, 11 April at the Jeju World Cup Stadium. Kick-off is at 8.30pm ACDT. Live coverage on Fox Sports.
