ACLElite League Stage Draw: What they said

Alistair Martin Edwards, CEO, Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)
There are some amazing teams and thanks to the new format, we are going to be able to test ourselves a lot more. Eight games against different opposition will be a challenge but also a good experience for all the players and coaches. We recognise that our performance in away games hasn’t been great and have been holding a lot of discussions on how to change that. At home, we have already proven our quality and we need to find a way to transport that when we travel.

Noda Chihiro, Team Manager, Vissel Kobe (JPN)
“We won the league last year and it was our first title. So after that, we prepared for six months and we have brought in good players in the summer, so we’re ready for this competition. It’s a really exciting format, it’s going to be tough but for the fans, they can see high-level games. We know it will be tough against the Korean and Chinese teams but at the same time, we’re excited for it.”

Ravshan Salimov, Team Manager, Pakhtakor (UZB)
“The new format is very interesting with some tough teams but I think it’ll be very exciting for the fans. It’s more interesting to play eight different teams, from eight different countries with eight different styles. Our aim is always to win the matches that we play but after that we’ll see where we are and what we can do in this tournament going deeper into it.”

Hamid Afzali, Competitions Officer Esteghlal FC (IRN)
“It really does not matter if we play host or travel for the game. Esteghlal were absent from the AFC Champions League for two years but after having some good governance in club licensing matters we are able to compete and now we will aim to do our best.”

Amirali Hosseini, Competition Manager, Persepolis FC (IRN)
“Persepolis FC have always been one of the most prominent teams in Asia. We have played the final twice and have competed 12 times. So we feel great to be back for yet another season and will hopefully live up to expectations. The players, especially the senior members, have a lot of experience of participating in this competition and I think our team will be ready to perform, be it home or away.”

Kim Soo-hong, Team Manager, Ulsan HD (KOR)
“It is really exciting as the tournament will be different from the previous competition format. We are all excited and can’t wait to play against our opponents. Our aim has always been to win the title. That is our target this season. It will be difficult but we have the experience playing against the China PR and Malaysian team.”