With a two goal lead heading into the second leg of the AFC Champions League Two Quarter Final against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Joe Lolley believes his side have what it takes to do something special this season.
A Patryk Klimala brace last weekend in Yongin in Korea has put the Sky Blues in pole position to progress to the Semi Finals where a two legged tie with Lion City Sailors awaits.
But with the tie so finely balanced, one goal is all it takes to swing the contest and Joe Lolley is wary of the threat.
“They’re a very good team and it wasn’t easy over there and while we did have a good result, we know we’re in for a tough battle.
“We are going to take the game to them in a positive manner and if we can find a goal in the early stages, then brilliant but we will be ready to fight for as long as it takes,” Lolley said.
“As a club we treat every competition with respect and this is a competition that a lot of the boys here have never had the opportunity to win so for us, this is a massive opportunity.
“We’re privileged to be at this stage and we are all looking forward to it.”
Ufuk Talay also echoed the importance of this match and what it means for the club and league.
“Being involved in AFC competitions is massive and these are the moments that we strive for as teams.
“This is an opportunity to challenge ourselves in our own conference against the best teams so it gives us opportunities to grow and see where we need to get better,” Talay said.
“We are very pleased and very fortunate like Joe [Lolley] said, to be part of these competitions.”
As for the Jeonbuk gameplan, Talay expects them to sit back early before going for it late on, attempting to make up a two goal deficit.
“I think they will manage the game in the early stages but at some point they have to come out because they are losing 2-0.
“However, for us it is important to recognise those moments and how we deal with it within a game context.
“Training has been good this week, so hopefully everything has worked out well leading into the game.”
