Nanjing: Jiangsu FC coach Dan Petrescu has conceded a draw at home to Japan’s FC Tokyo on Wednesday would allow the Chinese Super League side to consolidate their second place in Group E of the AFC Champions League.
AFC Champions League debutants Jiangsu shared a goalless draw in Japan last month, and currently sit in second place in Group E, a point clear of third place FC Tokyo at the halfway stage.
Jiangsu, though, are boosted by the return from suspension of Ramires after the Brazilian midfielder was sent-off in last month’s defeat by current Group E leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors from Korea Republic.
“Tomorrow it is our second home ACL game this season. It is going be a tough match because we have a strong opponent. But we are at home and we have to try our best to win it, to make our fans happy,” said Jiangsu coach Petrescu, who saw the current Super League leaders share a 1-1 draw with Hebei China Fortune FC on Saturday.
“Ramires is important to us. He can score and he can assist. He is crucial to our midfield. I hope we can do better with his help tomorrow. I hope he can cause Tokyo FC lots of trouble.
“Of course we are targeting three points, but as we know, ACL teams are all very strong, especially Korean and Japanese ones.
“Tokyo is good at both ends, and I can't say it is a bad result if we just got a draw. At least we could manage to stay in second in the group.”
FC Tokyo, meanwhile, recorded a 3-2 win over Nagoya Grampus in the J.League on Saturday and Hiroshi Jofuku’s side are just two points behind leaders Jeonbuk in a tight Group E with the K-League Classic champions traveling to Vietnam’s to face Becamex Binh Duong also on Wednesday.
“We played against Jiangsu once, however they didn't have Ramires then, but this time they do. Jiangsu is going to be stronger, but we will try to gain three points,” said FC Tokyo coach Jofuku.
“We couldn't manage to score in the last encounter. They had good defence, the typical team defence tactic, but they are not only good at defence, but also at attacking.
“Our confidence is from the players' skills and team work we have.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com