Pixy: J-League a higher priority than Asian Champions League for struggling Nagoya Grampus

May 29, 2012 4:00:00 AM

While Grampus wouldn't turn down an opportunity to repeat their 2009 semi-final run, recovering from their current domestic form is a higher priority for the Serbian manager

Nagoya coach Dragan 'Pixy' Stojkovic on Monday had high praise for Adelaide United ahead of their Tuesday night Asian Champions League clash in Hindmarsh, admitting the Reds will be a 'real test' for his side.

But he stressed his focus lies with his side's J-League campaign, where the 2010 champions are struggling in 13th place with a recent run of poor form that includes three straight losses.

"I don't have any doubts about Adelaide. They are a very strong and tough opponent who are able to produce very good, patient football - it's going to be a real test for my team," Stojkovic said in the traditional pre-match press conference.

"Of course our obligation is to give our best and to give everything to win. We are not coming to Adelaide to give up, we want to give ourselves every chance to qualify for the next round and be in the best eight.

"But if you ask me whether I'd like to be champion of the J-League or ACL, I'd prefer the J-League because it is a priority for me."

Meanwhile, Adelaide captain and goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic on Monday said the Reds are eager to claim yet another high-profile continental scalp and achieve their goal of reaching the quarter-finals.

"No one has really rated us since day one and we weren't even meant to get to this stage," Galekovic said. "Considering that, you could probably say the pressure is off of us but as a playing group we want to qualify for the quarter finals - that's been our aim from day one.

"We know Nagoya are a quality team, on paper they have are probably a better team than us, but as a group we've showed this year in the ACL that we can match it against the best."

Adelaide assistant Luciano Trani, who has been standing in as head coach for the unqualified John Kosmina, hopes his team will be capable of containing Grampus striker Joshua Kennedy. The Socceroo has recovered from his recent back injury and is expected to be in the starting line-up.

"Josh is dangerous with the timing of his runs into those goal scoring positions at the near and far post when the ball is out in wide areas," Trani said.

"We must watch those runs and that service that gets played, and stop that from happening."

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