Adelaide United goalkeeper Joshua Smits says the Reds are ready to embrace one of the biggest matches in the Club’s recent history when they face Công An Hà Nội in Tuesday night’s AFC Champions League Preliminary Round.
A place in Asia’s premier club competition is on the line at Hindmarsh Stadium, and Smits believes the occasion provides an exciting opportunity for the squad to perform on the continental stage.
“I truly believe in a good result on Tuesday,” Smits said.
“We still have most of the squad from last season and the coach with his incredible way of playing football.
“I have faith in Tuesday.”
Smits understands the significance of the one-off fixture and believes the pressure surrounding the occasion can help bring the best out of the playing group.
“It’s a big game,” he said.
“You don’t often get the opportunity to compete in the highest competition in Asia, so we know what’s at stake.
“Maybe some players in our team need that little bit more pressure.”
United has spent the week preparing for its Vietnamese opponent, which arrives in Adelaide with a number of new additions to its squad.
While the Reds are aware of the threats Công An Hà Nội could pose, Smits said the focus remains firmly on trusting the team’s own identity and style of football.
“We have an idea of how they play and we’ve worked on that this week,” he said.
“At the end, I always believe in the strength of our team, so we don’t want to adapt too much to the opponent.
“It starts with believing in yourself and your own tactics, and then you don’t have to worry too much about the opposition.”
The Reds enter the fixture determined to respond positively following their Australia Cup exit against South Melbourne.
Smits said the squad had reviewed the performance, addressed the areas requiring improvement and quickly turned its attention towards Tuesday night.
“We learned from the mistakes, we learned from what happened, and now we’re facing forward and looking forward to Tuesday,” he said.
“We need to make sure that every day at training we keep the standards high.
“You need to put in the work every day. That gives you confidence for the match.”
While United remains early in its pre-season, Smits believes the continuity within the squad and coaching staff provides a strong platform heading into the play-off.
He acknowledged that combinations can take time to fully return after the off-season but remains confident the Reds will be ready for the occasion.
“Some things between players can be a little bit rusty if you haven’t played a game for two or three months, but that will come,” he said.
“I’m not afraid about Tuesday.”
Smits brings previous continental experience to the squad, having been involved in UEFA Europa League and Conference League campaigns during his time in Europe.
The Dutch goalkeeper knows how valuable the opportunity can be, particularly for the Club’s emerging players.
“This is an incredible opportunity for every player, and especially for young players, to show themselves on the highest stage,” he said.
“Everybody wants to go places, and this is the place to show yourself. Your football career can move quickly.
“For me personally, it’s a great opportunity to see not only how it is in Europe, but also how it is in Asia.”
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