Shanghai SIPG ready to take on Thai outfit, says manager

Shanghai SIPG's Portuguese manager Villas-Boas said his team is going to make all-out efforts to win Tuesday's game against Sukotai FC from Thailand to secure a berth in the group stage of 2017 AFC Championship League.

Villas-Boas said his team has been training well during the winter session, and he was satisfied with the team's performance in friendly matches.

"We have both physically and psychologically prepared, and I hope our team could achieve a higher goal this season," Villas-Boas said during a pre-match press briefing on Monday.

The 39-year-old acknowledged his team has the home advantage, while also highlighting the pressure of this one-off game as well.

"Any mistake will be intolerable, the team must keep concentrate in the game to secure the victory from the first minute," the former Chelsea head coach said.

The team captain also says that his side has the drive needed to win.

"Our team has been familiar with the manager's tactics, and we have strong desire to win the debut in this coming season," said Shanghai SIPG captain Wang Shenchao.

Shanghai SIPG has scored a big deal during the winter transfer window by bringing Brazilian international Oscar to China. The former Chelsea attacker will be playing offense with his Brazilian fellows Hulk and Elkeson this season.

When asked about the offensive-defensive balance, Villas-Boas noted the addition of Uzbekistani international Odil Ahmedov would contribute to the defensive side, and said he expected local players Shi Ke, He Guan and others to have good performances this year.

If they manage to beat Sukotai FC in the match on Tuesday, Shanghai SIPG will secure a seat in Group F, joining FC Seoul, Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan and Western Sydney Wanderers from Australia. Endit