Despite failing to secure a point in their two home fixtures Alpha United tactician Wayne Dover said qualifying for the second round of the CONCACAF Champions League still remains the objective of his team.
In an exclusive interview prior to the team’s departure for Honduras today, Dover said:“The aim is still to qualify although it is a mathematical chance of us qualifying. Registering a win on Thursday would keep our hopes alive and it would then give us everything to play for in our final away game.”
Dover said that the team’s resolve has not been affected by their situation.
“We remain positive and upbeat about qualifying. Although I think we should have represented better at home and got something out of the two games,
I would not say it is impossible to secure the points with our way games.”
Questioned about the possibility of changes to the starting XI, Dover said:“We will definitely use from our roster just simply rotate and come up with something based on what we have. This is an opportunity for the younger players in the club who should be much hungrier to be involved and play to showcase their talents.
Must win situation —- subhead
“The situation we find ourselves in is very difficult. Teams most likely when they play on the road tend to go a little more defensive than offensive, but we are in a situation that is must win. We also have to be cognizant of the fact that if we are not disciplined defensively we can be beaten four or five.”
Asked about his side’s intended tactics for the upcoming encounter, he said…..“Our approach will be to play much deeper and play on the counterattack. With that I can simply say that once being discipline with what we set out to do, we can neutralize them like the first game and hope once created the chances, we can convert and come away with something.
“Mostly definitely it will be tough game. Based on the how the fixtures were set out, it was much more designed for a showdown between Olimpia and Portland for the first spot. We were given our first two games at home which was a fortunate situation for us but we didn’t make use of it.
“Having lost both matches and languishing at the bottom of the table conceding five goals and now that the two teams have won their games with Portland sitting at the top on goal difference, Olimpia I think will be in search of many goals in their home game against us.
“That would mean we have to ensure that we don’t leave ourselves open to be slaughtered. I am expecting a relentless attack from the home side and hope in their quest to score many goals, it would leave them vulnerable behind and that we can capitalize on their vulnerability,” he added.
