By RICHARD MENANOPO
Table leaders Auckland FC remain cautious heading into their highly anticipated OFC Pro League Round 4 clash; with head coach Luke Casserly acknowledging that his side still has much to improve despite sitting at the top of the standings.
Casserly made the remarks during a one-on-one interview with Island Sun following the official press conference at the National Stadium in Honiara on Friday morning ahead of today’s Round 4 fixtures.
While Auckland currently leads the competition, the coach insisted that maintaining focus remains the priority as they prepare to face Solomon Islands’ Solomon Kings once again.
“When I speak to the players, I always say the next game is the most important game.
“Every game is important. We want to keep improving,” Casserly said.
The Auckland coach admitted that their previous encounter with Solomon Kings exposed weaknesses in his team’s performance, with the home side proving the better team on that occasion.
“Obviously the last time we played Solomon Kings, they were fantastic.
“They thoroughly deserved their victory. It’s a really good challenge. But every time we go into a game we go in trying to win the match. It will be no different when we are here,” he said.
Auckland FC’s defensive strength has been one of the key factors behind their strong run in the competition so far, conceding only five goals in the league. However, Casserly credits the team’s success more to the attitude and commitment shown by his players.
“I think the work ethic of the players.
“The players have really embraced what we are trying to do. And in every match I can never question the work ethic. All the players give everything every match, which is as a coach all you can ask for,” he said.
Despite their current position at the top of the table, Casserly believes the competition is far from decided.
“We are sitting where we are, but it’s only really halfway. We still have a long way to go,” he said.
Asked whether the pressure of leading the standings affects the team, the Auckland coach said the expectation to perform has remained the same since the start of the tournament.
“The pressure is the same every game.
“As I said, every game we want to win every game. We know that’s not going to happen. You are never going to win every game. But that’s the intention,” he said.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s match, Casserly highlighted several key areas his side must improve following their last meeting with Solomon Kings.
“I think in all areas of that match Solomon Kings was better. We were second best everywhere.
“We have to be more organized and more focused defensively. And definitely our ability to retain possession and not turn the ball over so much,” he said.
He added that Solomon Kings’ ability to control possession and convert chances made them difficult opponents.
“They kept the ball. It was difficult to get it. They made chances and took their chances,” he said.
With the match set to be played in front of a passionate football crowd in Honiara, Casserly said his players are looking forward to the atmosphere despite the home advantage enjoyed by Solomon Kings.
“Hopefully the crowd also helps us so that the players get a big boost by having to perform in front of a big crowd.
“We know they will obviously be cheering for the home team. But hopefully that helps us as well,” he said.
Weather conditions could also play a role, Casserly added, noting that his team struggled previously in hot conditions.
“The weather is a difficult one. It’s a challenge.
“But hopefully playing in the evening tomorrow it’s not too hot and the players are able to handle it,” he said.
Round 4 of the OFC Pro League kicks off today at the National Stadium in Honiara, with Auckland FC aiming to maintain their lead while Solomon Kings look to capitalize on home support.
Photo credit: OFC
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