2021 ACL Group Stage: Kaya FC-Iloilo v Ulsan Hyundai FC Match 3 — Can David beat this Goliath? Kaya will face the overwhelming tournament favorites Friday night.

Kaya FC-Iloilo is coming off consecutive defeats to start off the AFC Champions League Group Stage, however their attention is now solely on their next opponents: the reigning champions Ulsan Hyundai FC. Will the club’s first points come by way of the South Korean side, snapping the champ’s 12-game winning streak? Kickoff takes place at Leo Stadium, scheduled for July 2, 6pm Philippine time.

“Yesterday we had recovery day like normal, a few tired bodies there so we need to make some decisions around who will play for us in our training session this afternoon,” Coach Graham Harvey stated. “Our spirits our high, these are the games we were so desperate to be involved in so we’re determined to make sure we enjoy playing against Ulsan [Hyundai FC].”

In the last press conference, Harvey stressed the importance of the team learning from these experiences and sticking to their brand of football. When asked if he’ll be making an exception for this match against Ulsan, Coach had this to say.

“Winning 12 games in a row in this competition, we have to give them all the respect they deserve as champions. We’ll certainly make sure we’re prepared for some of their threats, we still are very keen to make sure that we impose our style as much as possible.”

“We want to make sure that we come here and we learn—to take back to the PFL (Philippines Football League), to be better players and a better group so that we can come on this stage again.” Coach Graham continued, “We are very keen to make sure we play our football when we get the ball, we’re going up against the best side in Asia so we must make sure we respect them.”

Though the strategic approach remains steadfast, the coaching staff hasn’t been shy when it comes to fielding different lineups. Coach Harvey was then asked whether this was a matter of tactics or keeping the players fresh.

“Bit of both, to be honest with you,” Coach admitted. “We’ve not had a lot of football in the Philippines before we arrived, but now we’ve got the joy of seven games in eighteen days so we do have to manage our squad both from a physical perspective and with how we prepare tactically.”

Offseason signing Ryo Fujii weighed in on the team’s shifting focus from Tuesday’s loss to the task at hand—a date with the tournament favourites.

“Everybody was disappointed, but the games are quick so we don’t have time to dwell on the past,” Fujii articulated. “We have to move on and get ready for our next match. It’s a big challenge, but we’re more than ready to take on that challenge.”

While the Japanese-Korean has previously played for clubs in the United States and Sweden, Kaya’s ACL qualification marks his first experience in a competition at this level.

“It’s the biggest tournament in Asia, so it’s a big step for me,” he revealed. “I know there’ll be a lot of people watching, and hopefully I’ll showcase my training. I believe it’s a big step in my career, individually.”

Despite the rough outings against BG Pathum United and Viettel FC, the team is still thrilled to be able to go against the best of the best. That said, their next opponents may very well be the strongest side Kaya has ever faced in the club’s 25 years.

“As I’ve said before, we’re going to be respectful to any opposition we play. Obviously with Ulsan and their history, what they’ve achieved is amazing,” Harvey admitted. “The whole group’s so excited, as Ryo said, to showcase each individual and their skills on this major stage. It’s huge for us as a club, it’s massive for us to be here. We’re really excited to make sure that we do ourselves proud, and maybe get a little bit of redemption.”