BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese top-tier club Tianjin Quanjian will kick off its maiden appearance in the 2018 AFC Champions League (ACL) next week, and is aiming for success on the Asian footballing stage.
Coach of Tianjin Quanjian Paulo Sousa will face tough challenges as he aims to reach the knockout rounds in what is the club's maiden appearance. However, Sousa is confident that they can make their dreams a reality.
"Quanjian's ACL appearance is a huge boost for Chinese football clubs, and we are confident that we can defeat every opponent in the following games," said Sousa.
Tianjin Quanjian got their ACL ticket last month by defeating Ceres Negros 2-0 in the playoffs. Quanjian finished third with 54 points in the Chinese Super League (CSL) last season with goalkeeper Zhang Lu conceding just 33 goals. Quanjian won promotion to the CSL in 2016, when Zhang Lu only conceded 27 goals.
Quanjian will compete in Group E alongside two-time champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, outfit from Hong Kong Kitchee and Japanese champions Kashiwa Reysol.
Kitchee is only the second team from Hong Kong to appear in the AFC Champions League after Eastern SC's debut last year.
Tianjin Quanjian take on Hong Kong Kitchee at home next Tuesday, which has been viewed as the underdog team in Group E. It will be maiden appearance in the ACL for both sides.
"I have been in football for over 30 years, and I know not a single match is easy to win. No team is weak, and they all deserve our respect. We have to keep concentrated and be aggressive in all games," said Sousa, adding that his side will prepare carefully to get a good start.
Sousa is right in a sense, as Kitchee has former Uruguayan international Diego Forlan, who joined the side in January.
Forlan, an experienced campaigner, scored twice in the 2014 ACL group stage as Cerezo Osaka advanced to the knockout rounds.
Though Forlan is 38 years old, the 2010 FIFA World Cup best player may still be a dangerous striker to Quanjian's defense. Zhang Lu said that he will try his best to prevent Forlan scoring.
Anthony Modeste is in good form as he scored twice to eliminate Ceres Negros. The combination in midfield is Zhao Xuri/Axel Witsel, an experienced duo that will make efforts to protect the defence.
