HLV Polking Speaks of CAHN Club's Ambitions on the Continental Stage

Before the AFC Champions League Elite play-off match, head coach Alexandre Polking and midfielder Stefan Mauk showed great confidence and resolve. Significantly, Mauk confessed that this might be the sole occasion he wishes for Adelaide's defeat.

During the pre-match press conference, coach Alexandre Polking emphasized the club's progress after winning the V.League title last season. The manager affirmed that the team aims to continue proving their capability on the international stage.

"Our club is developing very strongly. After winning the V.League last season, the next challenge is to compete internationally. The team has traveled a long distance to Australia and is eager to return with a worthy result. I hope the whole squad will give their all and showcase the club's great ambitions," shared coach Alexandre Polking.

Meanwhile, midfielder Stefan Mauk expressed his belief in the growth of Vietnamese football and stated that his team deserves a place in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE).

"Vietnamese football is developing, and I believe the team deserves to be in the ACLE. We will try to prove that on the pitch," said Stefan Mauk.

The match in Australia holds special significance for Mauk personally. The Australian midfielder is excited to have the chance to play in front of his family and friends. However, once on the field, he affirmed he will give his full commitment to his current team.

"I am extremely excited about this match. My family and friends get another chance to watch me play live. This is probably the only time I hope Adelaide loses. I will give my best for my current club to win and bring joy to the fans," Mauk emphasized.

The statements from coach Polking and Stefan Mauk reflect the determination of the Vietnamese representative ahead of the AFC Champions League Elite play-off challenge. After domestic success, the team is aiming to make a mark when stepping onto Asia's top stage.

Meanwhile, Adelaide United coach Airton Andrioli acknowledged that CAHN is a quality opponent and said the Australian side has thoroughly studied the Vietnamese representative before the AFC Champions League Elite play-off. Captain Craig Goodwin also shared notable comments about facing his former teammate Stefan Mauk.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, coach Airton Andrioli highlighted the importance of this encounter.

"This is a big match for the club tomorrow night, and our preparation has gone well. We know it will be a tough game against a quality opponent.

The players have absorbed the necessary information. We have a plan for tomorrow's match and hope to execute it well to secure the needed result, thereby earning a place in the Elite competition," said coach Andrioli.

The Adelaide United manager confirmed that the Australian club has gathered and analyzed the necessary information about CAHN.

"We have done our homework. We have done everything we can, reviewed past matches, and tried to analyze the opponent thoroughly.

The players are ready for the match. We hope to repay the fans' support tomorrow night and achieve the desired result," Andrioli shared.

According to the Adelaide United coach, the two teams also share similarities in preparation, having not played many matches before this encounter.

"We know the focus is on this match. We know what lies ahead and want to ensure we get a good result because we want to challenge ourselves in a competition like this.

They are in a similar situation to us regarding the pre-season phase and haven't played many matches. So, that somewhat makes the game more balanced."

Coach Andrioli does not believe that Adelaide United's strength lies solely in physicality, which is often seen as a trademark of Australian football.

"When looking at Australian football from the outside, the first thing people mention is the physical aspect of our play.

But I see it differently. We are a team that wants to play football. We want to play good football, to be the team that controls the game, dominates, and plays with the ball.

You want to play football and dominate the match, but the physical side cannot be overlooked either," said coach Andrioli.

One of the notable points of the match is the reunion between Adelaide United and Stefan Mauk. The CAHN midfielder once played for Adelaide United and has a special connection with this city.

Captain Craig Goodwin said: "It will be interesting. It's a side story for him to play against his hometown club and in his hometown.

But in the end, we just see him as another opposition player. That's all we do."

Goodwin is also particularly excited about the opportunity to bring Adelaide United back to Asia's top stage.

Returning to Asia is a great experience for many of our young players. It's a big opportunity for them to face stronger opponents, higher-quality football, and we also get more matches.

This is a very anticipated time, and we hope we can get the necessary result to be part of the AFC Champions League Elite."

Assessing the overall development of Asian football, coach Andrioli believes the gap between football nations has narrowed significantly in recent years.

"I think the gap is now much closer. Asian football has been continuously developing over the past 15 years.

We know that, but tomorrow we play at home. This is an extremely important match, and we know what awaits us.

There are many favorable factors for us, so the whole team must ensure we are ready, get the necessary result, and earn a spot in the Elite competition."

According to Andrioli, the ticket to the AFC Champions League Elite is not only of professional significance but also brings great financial and commercial benefits to Adelaide United.

"That further shows the importance of this match for very clear reasons. Not only the prize money, but also the commercial impact and what we can leverage for future development.

Our main goal is to enter tomorrow's match, execute our plan, get the necessary result, and then have the chance to compete in an Elite competition."

Coach Andrioli also affirmed that Adelaide United wants to build a mentality ready to compete simultaneously in the A-League and the Asian stage if they overcome CAHN.

"We want to have the mindset that we can do this. Hopefully, we can find the balance, play in the A-League, play in Asia, and go as far as possible," coach Andrioli emphasized.