The players from Auckland City are not full-time professionals, with many of them taking annual leave to participate in the Club World Cup, which their coach, Paul Posa, describes as having “the toughest group.”
Fresh off their victory in the OFC Champions League, the New Zealand champions are set to face a formidable lineup, including Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, in Group C of the revamped tournament kicking off this Saturday. Posa has acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“This is arguably the toughest group we could have drawn,” stated Posa, who previously led them to a fifth-place finish in the old Club World Cup back in 2009. “With two traditional European giants like Bayern Munich and Benfica, plus Boca Juniors, who are equally capable of going far, the competition is fierce.”
“Our experience in previous iterations of the Club World Cup has given us valuable insights, allowing us to compete beyond our means in the past. Our primary aim is to prepare well and perform to the best of our potential,” he added.
Auckland approaches this 32-team tournament just months after securing their 13th Oceania title and their fourth in a row. Despite their achievements on the continental stage, football remains a part-time pursuit for the squad.
“Every player has other employment alongside their football commitments,” Posa explained. “However, their dedication to football outside of work hours is remarkable.
“Players have had to utilise their annual leave to make this happen… In fact, some individuals were unable to take time off to participate in both the OFC Champions League and the Club World Cup.”
This mid-June to mid-July scheduling means the tournament takes place during Auckland’s regular season, contrasting previous editions which were held post-season.
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“The challenge of hosting the CWC in the midst of the season has been ensuring that players maintain peak form. Nevertheless, I believe we’re on track to achieve this,” remarked Posa.
Stepping in as caretaker coach while Albert Riera is away for family matters, Posa previously managed Auckland between 2008 and 2010. During the 2009 Club World Cup, they triumphed over UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli and the DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, securing a fifth-place finish.
The 63-year-old recognised the difficulty of replicating that success: “While it’s lovely to imagine being that competitive again – we have to be realistic about the challenge ahead.”
Despite his temporary role, Posa has upheld Auckland’s established playing style. “It has not been challenging to preserve a football philosophy that has been developed at Auckland City over many years. Naturally, each coach adds their unique touch to the team,” he mentioned.
This stability is a cornerstone of Auckland’s ongoing success. “It’s about building on the experience accrued in prior competitions and maintaining a consistent focus on being well-organised and prepared, both on and off the field,” Posa stated.
“The culture within the team fosters a desire to win, so motivating them is never an issue.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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