Melbourne City underdone but ready for ‘90 minutes’ in AFC Champions League

Melbourne City’s lack of match fitness is a concern ahead of a tough AFC Champions League battle in China.

Rado Vidosic’s Melbourne City face a tough battle in China. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Melbourne City coach Rado Vidosic says his team is underdone but fit enough for “90 minutes” against Chinese Super League club Zhejiang on Wednesday night.

With City yet to start its A-League campaign, Vidosic said it was unfortunate his side would not be as sharp as Zhejiang in the AFC Champions League Group H match at the Huzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

“If you look at the home team, they’ve played (27) games in the (Chinese) league – they are match-ready, something that we are not,” Vidosic said.

“But … it’s only 90 minutes, so we are ready to play 90 minutes, and we’re gong to give everything that we’ve got.

“We’ve had a lot of training sessions but unfortunately, not enough games.”

Melbourne City coach Rado Vidosic says his team will ‘give everything’ in China. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

City drew 0-0 with Japanese second-tier club Ventforet Kofu last month at AAMI Park in a Champions League stalemate that Vidosic said was a “good result” for his team,

“It was a very tough game. They’re a very physical team.,” he said.

City midfielder Steven Ugarkovic said it was important for “the whole of Australian football: that his side performed well in Asian competitions.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to put our best foot forward,” Ugarkovic said.

City’ side is set to include captain and star striker Jamie Maclaren, who travelled to China following last week’s birth of his baby daughter Remi.

Originally published as Melbourne City underdone but ready for ‘90 minutes’ in AFC Champions League