Mariners Gear Up for Asian Champions League Elite Challenge
The Central Coast Mariners are diving headfirst into the Asian Champions League Elite, a prestigious tournament that marks a new milestone for the A-League Men champions. After an exceptional season where they clinched the A-League Men championship, premiership, and the AFC Cup, the Mariners are primed to showcase their prowess on a grander stage.
Coach Mark Jackson is brimming with confidence as his squad prepares for this elite competition. "We’re incredibly excited and honored to be part of the ACL Elite," Jackson said. "It’s a chance to test ourselves against the very best in Asia, and we’re ready to rise to the occasion." The Mariners earned their spot by topping the A-League Men table, which qualified them for this newly expanded ACL format.
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The ACL Elite features a 24-team lineup split into eastern and western groups of 12. Each team will play eight matches during the group stage. For the Mariners, the journey kicks off against Shandong Taishan at the Jinan Olympic Sports Centre. They will also face formidable opponents including Thai club Buriram United, Shanghai Port led by Kevin Muscat, Shanghai Shenhua, Vissel Kobe, Yokohama F. Marinos, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) from Malaysia, and Kawasaki Frontale from Japan.
The Central Coast Mariners are taking this challenge seriously. The squad traveled to China over the weekend to acclimate and prepare for their opening fixture. Jackson acknowledges the strength of Shandong Taishan, who are in the midst of their domestic season, and remains confident that his team can manage both their ACL and A-League Men commitments effectively.
This year’s ACL Elite will also feature several Australians in key roles across different teams. Kevin Muscat, a notable former Socceroos defender, is now managing Shanghai Port. Former Mariners player John Hutchinson is stepping in as interim coach for Yokohama F. Marinos. Additionally, Curtis Good and Kenny Dougall, ex-Melbourne City and Socceroos players respectively, are with Buriram United, while other former A-League stars like Shane Lowry, Jonathan Aspropotamitis, and Aaron Calver are playing for JDT, Pohang Steelers, and Gwangju FC.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC is also making waves in the ACL2 competition, kicking off their campaign with a home game against Eastern Sports Club at Jubilee Stadium.
The Mariners’ participation in the ACL Elite is not just a testament to their previous success but also an exciting opportunity to elevate Australian football on the continental stage. As they gear up to face some of Asia’s top teams, all eyes will be on how they fare in this highly competitive arena.
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