Pana Kikianis says Adelaide United’s players are embracing the challenge of competing in Asia, with spirits high following their first training session in Bangkok.
The Reds took to the training pitch after Monday’s long journey to Thailand, continuing preparations for Thursday’s AFC Champions League Two meeting with BG Pathum United.
While the heat and humidity presented a change from conditions in Adelaide, Kikianis said the squad’s work before departure had helped prepare them for the adjustment.
“It was really good. Maybe we’re not used to this weather, but we have been preparing really well back home for this sort of situation and these conditions,” Kikianis said.
“After a long flight yesterday, it was good to be out here on the grass. It’s an unbelievable surface. A bit of competition — it was good today.”
The trip has also provided an opportunity for the players to spend time together away from their usual routine, with card games and plenty of banter helping pass the hours in transit.
“It’s nice to get away with your friends and your teammates,” Kikianis said.
“I was on my phone until it died, and then once it died, I was playing a bit of cards and annoying a few of the other boys.”
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Alongside that downtime, the squad followed a series of travel protocols under the guidance of strength and conditioning coach Sean Baker, designed to help the players manage the journey.
“Sean Baker had five or six protocols he wanted us to move through throughout the flight,” Kikianis said.
“I think it’ll benefit us in the long run.”
Thursday’s fixture marks United’s first competitive away match in Asia in almost a decade, and an opportunity to build on the Reds’ opening Group F victory over Tai Po at Coopers Stadium.
For Kikianis, the chance to test himself in a different football environment is one he is relishing.
“I’m so excited. I think all the boys are very excited,” he said.
“Even though it was very humid today, all the boys had a smile on their face and they were enjoying it thoroughly.
“It’s a blessing, and I’m just really excited.”
United are expecting a demanding contest against BG Pathum United, with preparations focused on understanding the strengths of their Thai opponents while backing their own ability.
“We’re versing a good opposition, a very good opposition,” Kikianis said.
“We’ve done bits of our homework … but I think we can match them and hopefully get a good result.”
With a positive opening result behind them, Kikianis said the group is determined to carry that momentum into the next stage of its Asian campaign.
“All the boys are super excited to come to a different country, experience a different sort of football,” he said.
“It’s very different to the A-League, which we have seen. We played one game, one round, and started positive.
“So we just want to continue that throughout the next rounds.”
