For Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold, it’s not just about creating history in the AFC Champions League for the Sky Blues, Wednesday night’s clash is all about top spot in group H.
While the Sky Blues may know their fate in the AFC Champions League pending Tuesday’s result between Pohang Steelers and Guangzhou Evergrande, Arnold wants top spot in group H secured against Urawa Red Diamonds and a berth against the second placed team in group F in the round of 16.
“We win tomorrow night and we have the opportunity to not only create history but top the group,” Arnold said.
“Topping the group at this stage is very important. It helps with the last 16 draw, you play against the second placed team.
“To be sitting on nine points from four games and be sitting on top of the group is a fantastic achievement but we still haven’t done anything yet.
“We have a chance of making history at Sydney FC, to get through to the last 16 is hugely important and then we take it from there.”
Having last played against Perth Glory 10 days ago, Arnold believes the break between matches will benefit his squad, as he said Wednesday night’s clash presents a prime opportunity for Sydney FC to test themselves against an elite team.
“I think mentally it’s freshened us up [the break],” Arnold said.
“Being involved in two competitions at once and having the schedule that we’ve had has made it a very busy time and taxing on the body.
“We had a game 10 days ago and we performed the way we should perform, so we’re looking forward to the game tomorrow night and a wonderful occasion against a very good Japanese team.
“When you play against Urawa Reds you’ll see tomorrow night that they’re a very mobile team and they play a system that most people in Australia haven’t seen before,” he continued.
“They’re very attacking, very mobile and they move constantly all over the field. They’re a dangerous team and they’re probably the biggest club in Japan so it’s a good opportunity for us to test ourselves against the elite from Japan.”
Sydney FC take on Urawa Red Diamonds in matchday five of the AFC Champions League 2016 group stage. Catch the match live on Fox Sports 4, follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for updates or get your tickets now.
Sydney FC’s 2016 AFC Champions League campaign proudly supported by StarTrack and UNSW
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