Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 12, 2024 11:59 am GMT
The Central Coast Mariners, fresh off an impressive season, are gearing up for their debut in the Asian Champions League (ACL) Elite competition. As reigning champions of the A-League Men (ALM), they aim to showcase their talent against some of Asia’s best clubs, starting with a challenging match against Shandong Taishan on Tuesday night in China.
Mariners’ Ambitious Path in ACL Elite
The Central Coast Mariners are not just participating in the ACL Elite; they are ready to compete at the highest level after securing three trophies last season. With the ALM championship, premiership, and the AFC Cup under their belt, the team is eager to demonstrate their abilities against a field of formidable opponents.
Mark Jackson, the Mariners’ coach, is optimistic about his team’s prospects. He stated, “It’s a really privileged position we’re in to be able to compete with some of Asia’s best teams, and we want to challenge ourselves all the time.” Jackson highlighted the importance of this higher competition, noting that it represents an opportunity to grow and improve.
Squad Highlights and Competition Structure
The Mariners’ squad features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Led by former Socceroo Trent Sainsbury, the team is fortified by its successful run last season. The ACL Elite competition consists of 24 teams that are divided into eastern and western groups. In the initial group stage, teams will play a total of eight matches.
Key details of the Mariners’ ACL journey:
- Opening Match: Against Shandong Taishan at Jinan Olympic Sports Centre.
- Opponents: The Mariners will also face:
– Buriram United (Thailand)
– Shanghai Port (China)
– Shanghai Shenhua (China)
– Vissel Kobe (Japan)
– Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan)
– Johor Darul Ta’zim (Malaysia)
– Kawasaki Frontale (Japan)
With such a robust lineup, Jackson acknowledges that managing their ACL commitments alongside their ALM title defense will be a challenge. However, he expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Focus on Performance and Preparation
The Mariners traveled to China on Saturday to acclimate to the local conditions ahead of their opening game. Jackson described Shandong as a strong competitor, especially since they are deep into their season. He reflected on last year’s successes traveling across Asia and emphasized the importance of preparation for facing bigger teams this year.
The Mariners are aware of the challenges they will face, but their ambition remains clear. Jackson stated, “We want to show what we can do when we go and face these teams.”
Notable Australians in the ACL
The ACL Elite competition features several familiar Australian faces leading different teams. Notably, Kevin Muscat, a prominent Australian manager and former Socceroos defender, is at the helm of Shanghai Port. Additionally, other former players are making their mark in the competition:
- John Hutchinson (Interim Coach, Yokohama F. Marinos)
- Curtis Good (Buriram United)
- Kenny Dougall (Buriram United)
- Shane Lowry (Johor Darul Ta’zim)
- Jonathan Aspropotamitis (Pohang Steelers)
- Aaron Calver (Gwangju FC)
Their presence emphasizes the growing connection between Australian football and the Asian football landscape.
Looking Ahead: Sydney FC’s Timing
As the Mariners prepare for their demanding schedule, Sydney FC is set to begin their campaign in the ACL2 competition. They will kick off their journey with a home match against Eastern Sports Club at Jubilee Stadium on Thursday.
Conclusion
For the Central Coast Mariners, entering the ACL Elite competition represents not just a new chapter but a significant opportunity to solidify their standing among Asia’s elite clubs. With their deep squad and strong leadership, they are poised to tackle the challenges ahead. As they kick off their campaign, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Mariners navigate this competitive landscape and what they can achieve on the Asian stage.
The Mariners are excited and ready to play! They want to inspire themselves and everyone in the Australian football community. They aim to show the world what they can achieve when they really push themselves.
