John Aloisi says ACL pressure is on Kashima Antlers

Brisbane Roar are facing an early exit from the ACL but coach John Aloisi has turned the heat back on Kashima Antlers.

Brisbane Roar players train yesterday ahead of tonight’s match against Kashima Antlers. Picture: Darren England.

His team is facing an early exit from the Asian Champions League but Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi has turned the heat back on opponents Kashima Antlers, suggesting they are the ones under pressure in tonight’s Group E match at Suncorp Stadium.

The Queenslanders will be looking to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the tournament with victory against the side that beat them 3-0 last month — a result that kept the Roar at the bottom of the four-team group.

The Japanese heavyweights lead the table on six points, one ahead of surprise packets Muang­thong United (5), two in front of Ulsan (4) and five ahead of the Roar, who have managed just one point from three games so far.

It goes without saying that Brisbane need nothing less than a win tonight if they are to remain in the hunt to finish in the top two of the group.

Aloisi understands the ramifications of defeat, and while he acknowledged the importance of a victory, he was quick to put the onus back on Kashima.

“Yes, it is all or nothing for us and we have to win, it’s that ­simple,” Aloisi said yesterday. “But, I think the pressure is probably a little more on them. They are the favourites.

“They are in a good position and they need to make the top two to get through. They are expected to do so, while no one gives us a chance.

“We are not expected to get out of the group but we believe we are a big chance and will give it everything tomorrow night.”

Despite the away loss to ­Kash­ima, Aloisi remains positive his team can turn it around. The Roar have been plagued by injuries but are starting to gradually get some players back. The timing couldn’t be better given the A-League finals are just around the corner.

“We analysed our performance against them last time and I thought we did well,” he said. “We had a lot of possession and I thought we created a lot of ­openings. Back home in front of our own fans it will be a different proposition and we will be very well organised.

“Getting players back is also a big help, not just for this but for the A-League finals.”

One player who should get a decent run tonight is Tommy Oar, who has been sidelined with injury for the past five weeks.

“Tommy will play a part for sure,” Aloisi said.