Embattled Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat is excited for the fresh challenge of the Asian Champions League but isn't so bold as to declare the club contenders for the tournament.
While Graham Arnold has declared Sydney FC have the quality to win the competition, Muscat says he wants first to replicate Victory's last-out result of qualifying from the group stage.
That begins with a result against South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai on Tuesday night at AAMI Park.
"It's the only thing you can do at this stage ... and if you narrow it down further is to win the first game," he said.
"That's the aim. We're at home and we understand what's at stake."
In six previous ACL campaigns, Victory have won both times they've hosted the first match.
And this week, Muscat knows the importance of catching Ulsan, the underdog of their group, on the hop.
The first fixtures are of pivotal importance to Australian clubs, when their Korean, Chinese and Japanese opponents are still in pre-season, with Ulsan coach Kim Do-hoon admitting his side was at only 80 per cent fitness for the tie.
Muscat said that presented opportunity.
"We should be really positive about the way we want to go about things," he said.
"They haven't started their season yet. They're a well-resourced club that's gone away and prepared in pre-season.
"We don't know and we can't control what sort of condition or attitude or motivation Ulsan are going to have but we can certainly prepare ourselves."
Ulsan have brought their full squad to Australia, including South Korean international Park Joo-ho, who has recently signed from German club Dortmund.
Muscat said Leroy George was fully fit after his first start back after a hamstring issue.
Of the club's other injury concerns, Stefan Nigro is available and Thomas Deng is "touch and go", with Muscat poised to put youngsters such as Josh Hope and Kenny Athiu in his squad.
"You say that everybody is going to be needed and it's no different," he said.
Victory enter the match on a three-game losing streak after defeats to Sydney FC, Newcastle and Brisbane Roar.
Club captain Carl Valeri said the change-up in competitions brought a fresh energy to the group.
"We are where were are. We accept that. Tomorrow is a fresh competition and there is a lot of excitement in the air," he said.
"There's a lot of unknowns, there's different styles. And it's something to be excited about. We're excited and the fans should be excited as well."
Australian Associated Press
