The players of Auckland City are not full-time professionals, and many have taken annual leave to participate in the Club World Cup, where coach Paul Posa describes their group as the hardest challenge yet.
As the champions of New Zealand, fresh off winning the OFC Champions League, Auckland will be up against Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors in Group C of the revamped tournament that kicks off on Saturday. Posa acknowledged the tough road ahead for his team.
“This is arguably the most challenging group we could have been drawn into,” Posa, who led them to a fifth-place finish in the previous iteration of the Club World Cup in 2009, told Reuters. “We face two traditional European powerhouses in Bayern Munich and Benfica, along with Boca Juniors, who also have the potential to go all the way.”
“Having participated in numerous previous versions of the Club World Cup has equipped us with valuable experience, enabling us to exceed expectations in the past. Our aim is to prepare thoroughly and compete to the best of our abilities,” he elaborated.
Months after securing their 13th Oceania title and a remarkable fourth in a row, Auckland enters the 32-team tournament. Despite their continental achievements, football remains a part-time pursuit for the squad.
“All the players maintain other jobs alongside their football commitments,” Posa remarked. “Yet, they demonstrate remarkable dedication to the sport outside of work hours.
“Many players have had to take annual leave from their jobs… In fact, some were unable to secure time off to participate in both the OFC Champions League and the Club World Cup.”
The tournament, scheduled from mid-June to mid-July, intriguingly takes place during Auckland’s season, unlike its predecessors which were held after the conclusion of the season.
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“The challenge posed by the Club World Cup occurring in the middle of the season has been ensuring that our players are in peak form at critical times – but I’m confident we’re on the right path,” Posa stated.
Currently serving as caretaker coach in the absence of Albert Riera, who is away due to family matters, Posa previously managed Auckland from 2008-2010. In the 2009 Club World Cup, they achieved memorable victories against UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli and DR Congo’s TP Mazembe to secure a fifth-place finish.
The 63-year-old recognised the difficulty of replicating his 2009 success: “It’s wonderful to imagine we could achieve that level of competitiveness again – but we are realistic about the challenges that lie ahead.“
Although his role is temporary, Posa has successfully upheld Auckland’s established playing philosophy. “Maintaining a playing style that has developed over many years hasn’t been challenging. Naturally, every coach adds their own touch to the team,” he said.
This consistency forms the foundation of Auckland’s ongoing success. “Our achievements are built on the experiences gained from previous competitions, coupled with a strong focus on being organised and well-prepared, both on and off the pitch,” Posa explained.
“The culture surrounding the team fosters a relentless desire to win, making motivation a non-issue.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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