Bruno Fornaroli believes the club’s AFC Champions League experience in Qatar will help usher in the new era for Perth Glory.
Glory resume their ACL campaign on against Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua.
Richard Garcia’s squad arrived in Doha on Sunday and Fornaroli says the mood amongst the travelling party is good as they prepare to battle with Asia’s elite.
“It will be great to play against these big teams," the Uruguayan said on Glory’s website.
"We know that there are some very good teams, but it's great to play against them and it will be a good experience for us, especially the young players.
"It's a new year with a new coach, new staff and new players, so it will be good for everyone to get to Qatar, play some games and get a good system going.
"I'm going there to win, but I understand the reality that there have been many changes. So we will go there to compete and do our best and also make sure that we're ready for the A-League season."
Glory’s clash against Shenhua kicks off at 9pm (AEDT) and will be shown live on Fox Sports.
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Sydney FC’s ‘eventful’ trip to Qatar
The Sky Blues are preparing to take on the might of Shanghai SIPG on Thursday following their arrival after a 15-hour trip to the Middle East.
The squad arrived at the Hamed International Airport in the early hours of Sunday morning, with all members of the party required to take a Covid-19 test before leaving.
Security guards and AFC officials then whisked the team through the airport to a bus, which took them on a 30-minute journey to the Ezdan Palace Hotel.
The squad were taken straight to their rooms where they were forced to quarantined for the next 10 hours until the tests returned a negative reading.
“It certainly was eventful,” said Corica on the club’s website.
“Wearing the masks and protective equipment is something you have to get used to, but due to the nature of overseas travel these days the flight wasn’t busy and most of us were able to get a row of seats to sleep.
“That will help the boys get over the jetlag quicker, as will being confined to their rooms today.
“Once the test results are in, we’ll be able to get into the gym and onto the training pitch and it will be a three day lead into the game, which is how we usually do it.”
Sydney FC resume their ACL tilt against SIPG on Thursday (9pm AEDT kick-off), with the Chinese squad boasting the likes of Socceroos midfielder Aaron Mooy and Brazilian stars Oscar and Hulk.
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Victory’s Ryan excited by ACL opportunity
On-loan defender Dylan Ryan believes his vast range of defensive skills will help Melbourne Victory through the club’s ACL and A-League campaigns in 2020/21.
Ryan completed his move to Victory from Dutch side Willem II last week and he’ll immediately be thrust into the white-hot atmosphere of the ACL and the top club’s on the continent.
“Going to play on the biggest stage in Asia is a massive thing for any footballer,” said Ryan, 20, on Victory’s website.
“To be given that opportunity to go and play is massive.
“I think I will bring composure at the back – bringing the ball out and controlling the tempo of the game,” he added.
“I’m very good in my aerial duels and I think I will win a lot of challenges there. As well as switching the play, overall leadership and good defending.”
Victory have another week to prepare for their next ACL match, taking on Beijing Guoan on Tuesday, November 24 at 9pm (AEDT).
All matches will be shown on Fox Sports.
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