United in search of elusive double
September 16, 2008
Is it possible to win the Hyundai A-League and the Asian Champions League in the same season?
Most observers would say "no", and with justifiable reasons, but United is about to discover just how difficult it is to achieve the "double", even if it has the talent to do so.
Playing two competitions at once in two different hemispheres is infinitely more difficult than managing a European domestic competition and the European Champions League.
The European competitions might be tougher but no European team will have to endure a 20 hour return trip as United will do this week.
United plays Japan's Kashima Antlers in a first leg quarter final on Wednesday night – the second of five matches in 15 days.
United's A League/Champions League quest did not get off to a good start. United was beaten 1-0 by Melbourne Victory last Friday night in yet another controversial match between the teams.
United had made a solid start to the new season with seven points from its previous three games but was desperate for points against Victory as insurance for the tougher road ahead.
While the focus is now firmly on the Antlers as United takes its place as the first Australian team to reach the Asian Champions League quarter finals, coach Aurelio Vidmar will soon be forced to decide soon which is more important – the A-League or Champions League.
That decision could come as early as next weekend. Three days after the Antlers match in Japan, United faces arch rival Sydney FC and former coach John Kosmina in Sydney. Three days later, on Wednesday of next week, United plays Antlers in the return quarter final at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Does Vidmar play a weakened side against Sydney and save his players for the return quarter final or go for broke in both matches?
So, in the end it could be a choice between what's more important – the A-League or Champions League. The answer of course must be the A League. It's what drives sponsorships, crowds and revenue.
United had a disappointing 2007-08 season, failing to reach the finals for the first time after winning the minor premiership in the first season and reaching the Grand Final in the second season.
Failure to qualify again will be disastrous setback for a clearly ambitious club. And the irony is that if it does fail to reach the A League Finals in January, there will be no Asian Champions League next time around.
UNITED'S HECTIC SEPTEMBER
Melbourne Victory (A) Lost 0-1
Kashima Antlers (A) Wed Sep 17
Sydney FC (A) Sat Sep 20
Kashima Antlers (H) Wed Sep 24
Newcastle Jets (H) Sat Sep 27
Most observers would say "no", and with justifiable reasons, but United is about to discover just how difficult it is to achieve the "double", even if it has the talent to do so.
Playing two competitions at once in two different hemispheres is infinitely more difficult than managing a European domestic competition and the European Champions League.
The European competitions might be tougher but no European team will have to endure a 20 hour return trip as United will do this week.
United plays Japan's Kashima Antlers in a first leg quarter final on Wednesday night – the second of five matches in 15 days.
United's A League/Champions League quest did not get off to a good start. United was beaten 1-0 by Melbourne Victory last Friday night in yet another controversial match between the teams.
United had made a solid start to the new season with seven points from its previous three games but was desperate for points against Victory as insurance for the tougher road ahead.
While the focus is now firmly on the Antlers as United takes its place as the first Australian team to reach the Asian Champions League quarter finals, coach Aurelio Vidmar will soon be forced to decide soon which is more important – the A-League or Champions League.
That decision could come as early as next weekend. Three days after the Antlers match in Japan, United faces arch rival Sydney FC and former coach John Kosmina in Sydney. Three days later, on Wednesday of next week, United plays Antlers in the return quarter final at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Does Vidmar play a weakened side against Sydney and save his players for the return quarter final or go for broke in both matches?
So, in the end it could be a choice between what's more important – the A-League or Champions League. The answer of course must be the A League. It's what drives sponsorships, crowds and revenue.
United had a disappointing 2007-08 season, failing to reach the finals for the first time after winning the minor premiership in the first season and reaching the Grand Final in the second season.
Failure to qualify again will be disastrous setback for a clearly ambitious club. And the irony is that if it does fail to reach the A League Finals in January, there will be no Asian Champions League next time around.
UNITED'S HECTIC SEPTEMBER
Melbourne Victory (A) Lost 0-1
Kashima Antlers (A) Wed Sep 17
Sydney FC (A) Sat Sep 20
Kashima Antlers (H) Wed Sep 24
Newcastle Jets (H) Sat Sep 27
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