Roar ready for Asian challenge

Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou is excited by the challenge of representing Australia in the AFC Champions League.

The A-League champions are in action on Tuesday against Japanese Emperor’s Cup winners FC Tokyo at Suncorp Stadium.

Postecoglou’s side, who set a domestic sporting record last year after 36 consecutive games unbeaten, are regarded as one of the best Australian club sides ever to play in the local top flight.

Expectations are high in Australia that Brisbane will do well in the competition after recent disappointing performances by A-League participants, following Adelaide’s run to the 2008 final.

“Our focus all along has been to represent ourselves in the competition because it is not just about Brisbane Roar, you are representing your country and in particular the league you play in,” Postecoglou said.

“Our focus has been on making sure we represent ourselves the same way we do in A-League week in week out and that is play the type of football we have become known for.”

“That is to play the type of football we’ve become known for, have the same type of discipline, attitude and respect for the opposition that we have in the A-League and carry these traits through to this competition.”

Brisbane’s 2012 Asian campaign will be their first in the continental competition.

“It’s exciting, we’ve known we’re going to be in it for a while so you’ve got to try and suppress that excitement because there’s a little thing called the A-League to look at,” Postecoglou said.

“We’re travelling along okay there but certainly, we’re looking forward to tomorrow night. It’s a bit of an adventure for us, for the players and the club itself – that’s the most important thing.”

Brisbane will be without midfielder Mitch Nichols after being substituted early in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart due to injury. However Brazilian Henrique is available after missing the Heart game due to suspension.

Meanwhile, FC Tokyo coach Ranko Popovic said: “They play aggressively in Australia for the full 90 minutes. That’s how I want us to play.”

“Lately many of their players have been active in Europe and our players are aware of their skills. As a club we want to enjoy the ACL and play our best.”

Popovic added: “Brisbane Roar have a similar style to FC Tokyo as they like to play football, so it should be a very entertaining game. Both teams like to pass and move the ball around, and that will be the deciding factor.”

Tokyo are without Yohei Kajiyama and Lucas Severino due to injury, following their 2-1 Super Cup loss to Kashiwa Reysol on Saturday.