Search Results

Navy Blues name strong squad for Hong Kong

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 3 February 2019

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC coach Ramon Tribulietx has named a strong squad with a sprinkling of youth for next week's Tonghai Finance Chinese New Year
Cup in Hong Kong.

The Navy Blues take on one of the competition heavyweights Shandong Luneng who hope to play their new signing from Manchester United, Belgian international, Marouane Fellaini.

MAROUANE FELLAINI - Shandong Luneng

31-year-old Fellaini was one of United's first signings after Sir Alex Ferguson retired and sealed his move to the Chinese Super League giants just two days ago.

With Fernando Torres lining up on the other side of the draw with J.League outfit Sagan Tosu, the excitement levels among the Navy Blues squad are understandably high.

Auckland City FC won the competition two years ago in a major upset after they defeated Korean powerhouse FC Seoul (1-0) and professional side Kitchee SC (1-0) but face a much stiffer task this time.

"When you see names like Marouane Fellaini and Fernando Torres it makes you realise how big the Tonghai Finance Chinese New Year Cup is and how big the clubs are that are competing in it.

"There's not only Fellaini but Shandong Luneng also have Grazione Pelle who has scored a lot of goals for Italy and he's one of the best forwards around.

"Shandong Luneng have a number of Chinese international players so it points toward a very tough opening game for us," Tribulietx said.

Shandong Luneng have forked out a massive amount of money on Fellaini with the midfielder reportedly earning $665,000.00 USD per week following a $20 million move to China.

Fellaini won an FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho in a five year stay in the English Premier League.

The gulf in finances could not be more stark with J.League Sagan Tosu pouring out a similar outlay on World Cup-winner Torres.

Tribulietx is used to turning out teams that punch above their weight on the world stage but admits even this challenge brings new obstacles.

"It's going to be difficult for us, these teams are well-financed and well into pre-season.

MAROUANE FELLAINI - TOP GOALS

"We've got nine games in the space of a month which means a lot of our players have a chance to play in Hong Kong as we play twice in three days," he said.

While Tribulietx's squad features familiar names, he has opted to bring two youngsters from the club's National Youth League winning squad in Josh Jones and Jackson Wood.

A third - Thomas Drillien - didn't make the cut for Hong Kong but is lined up for an opportunity in the OFC Champions League at the end of February, while third choice goalkeeper Cameron Brown follows up his FIFA Club World Cup call-up from two years ago with a position.

Reid Drake doesn't make the plane due to injury. 

"We've had Josh Jones and Jackson Wood training with the first team and they are coming to Hong Kong.

FERNANDO TORRES - TOP GOALS

"They've been training with our squad after the National Youth League season with the Junior Navy Blues along with Thomas Drillien.

"It's a great opportunity for them to learn at an international tournament so they start understanding what it means to play for Auckland City FC. It's great to be able to give them this chance.

"We are going to use our resources carefully in Hong Kong and take this tournament as a great opportunity for all our players to gain experience but it'll help a lot of our youngsters to grow up.

"It's important we don't overload anyone or aggravate injuries because the OFC Champions League is just around the corner. We have to look at how we remain competitive but I believe our squad is well balanced and have gelled very well."

Auckland City FC's first match is against Shandong Luneng Taishan FC on Tuesday 5 February 2019.

The match kicks off at 9pm NZST.

The third place match and final take place two days later.

Ends

Tonghai Finance Chinese New Year Cup 2019

Auckland City FC squad

Club matches, club goals

1. Enaut ZUBIKARAI (GK) 70 matches, 0 goals (ESP)
3. Takuya IWATA 137, 2 (JPN)
4. Mario BILEN 132, 5 (CRO)
5. Angel BERLANGA (c) 189, 6 (ESP)
6. Brian KALTACK 11, 1 (VAN)
7. Cam HOWIESON 52, 3 (NZL)
8. Albert RIERA 112, 2 (NZL)
9. Javier LOPEZ 10, 7 (ESP)
10. Micah LEA'ALAFA 67, 28 (SOL)
11. Fabrizio TAVANO 73, 10 (NZL)
12. Dylan MANICKUM 9, 3 (NZL)
13. Patrick LUNDEMO 1, 0 (SWE)
14. Jordan VALE 17, 2 (NZL)
15. Dan MORGAN 50, 5 (NZL)
16. Yousif ALI 9, 0 (IRQ)
17. Jackson WOOD 0, 0 (NZL)
18. Ruben PARKER (GK) 1, 0 (NZL)
19. David BROWNE 62, 15 (PNG)
20. Te Atawhai HUDSON-WIHONGI 60, 1 (NZL)
21. Maro BONSU-MARO 6, 2 (COK)
22. Joshua JONES 0, 0 (NZL)
23. Alfie ROGERS 43, 2 (NZL)
24. Cameron BROWN (GK) 0, 0 (NZL)
25. Omar GUARDIOLA 0, 0 (NZL)

COACH: Ramon TRIBULIETX
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Simone NADDI
TECHNICAL: Pol FOSCH MASLLOVET
FITNESS: Adria CASALS BARRIS
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
MANAGER: Keith COTON
PROPERTY STEWARD: Arthur EGAN

MEDIA CONTACT: 027-613-7444 (WhatsApp) 
Email: media@aucklandcityfc.com

Tonghai Finance Chinese New Year Cup 2019
Tuesday 5 February , 2019
Auckland City FC v Shandong Luneng
Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
Kick-off: 9pm NZST

Tonghai Finance Chinese New Year Cup 2019
Tuesday 5 February , 2019
Hong Kong League XI v Sagan Tosu
Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
Kick-off: 11.15pm NZST

Tonghai Finance Chinese New Year Cup 2019
Third Place match
Thursday 7 February, 2019
Loser of A v Loser of B
Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
Kick-off: 9pm NZST

Tonghai Finance Chinese New Year Cup 2019
Final
Thursday 7 February, 2019
Winner of A v Winner of B
Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
Kick-off: 11.15pm NZST

Related Articles

NORTHERN LEAGUE R3

Monday 1 April 2024, Kiwitea Street, 3.00pm

AC
vs
TC
Player Profiles
Table
Position P W D L F A Pts
1 TC1100403
2 AC1100303
3 MN1100303
4 BO1100213
5 WS1100323
6 ES1010221
7 WC1010221
8 BU1001230
9 ES1001120
10 AU1001030
11 EB1001030
12 ME1001040

Full Ladder

Friends of Football
Photo Gallery
Facebook
Twitter
Auckland City FC Social