No complacency warns Kashima coach

AFC Champions League 2009

SINGAPORE – Kashima Antlers coach Oswaldo Oliveira has warned his players not to be complacent against Group G strugglers Singapore Armed Forces in Tuesday’s clash at Jalan Besar Stadium.

The defending J. League champions have endured a mixed start to their campaign having suffered a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at the hands of Suwon Bluewings before grinding out a 2-0 win over Shanghai Shenhua.

AFC Champions League debutants SAF, meanwhile, have struggled to compete against their more experienced opponents and two defeats from two games has seen them concede six goals and score only once.

But Oliveira has stressed that his side should not become complacent and expect to walk away with three points.

“We have to worry about our own games with SAF first. It will be pointless to think of Suwon and Shanghai if we do not our job against SAF,” he said.

“We want to qualify for the next stage, so we will play with the best team we have available.”

Oliveira has expressed concerns over the artificial pitch at the Jalan Besar Stadium and believes how is team perform will depend on how quickly they adapt to the surface.

“Playing on the artificial turf is different from natural grass,” he added. “I hope we will adapt to the surface quickly then we can play our game.”

The Antlers will be without Koji Nakata, while forward Shinzo Koroki has been left out of the traveling squad.

Meanwhile, SAF coach Richard Bok has pinpointed Brazilian forward Marquinhos and Mitsuo Ogasawara as the players capable of giving the visitors the edge.

The continental campaign will come as a welcome reprieve for the hosts having had a month to forget in the S.League that saw them lose Woodlands Wellington before suffering a 3-1 loss to Gombak United.

“The whole Kashima Antlers team is very good and of high quality,” said Bok.

“Marquinhos is one dangerous player we have to look out for while Mitsuo Ogasawara is very experienced.

"I am satisfied with the team’s attitude and commitment in the two games we have played so far and preparation for this game has been good for tomorrow night.

“We are learning as much as possible, not just from Kashima but also from the other two group opponents.”

SAF will be without midfielder John Wilkinson due to a rib injury while Japanese defender Kenji Arai is a doubt with an ankle injury.