Assistant Phil Stubbins, who has been leading the players while Vidmar has been studying the junior programs of European clubs, said the team had been trying to implement greater balance to its play.

"We've been very, very structured defensively, I think that has offset our ability to actually go forward offensively," Stubbins said.

"So we've attempted, over the course of Viddie's absence, to introduce certainly better movement within the framework of the team and to work very, very hard to keep retention of the ball."

"And as a whole, to make sure as a football commodity, we are a better team and put a showcase on that is nice on the eye."

There was not too much to tinker with however, with Stubbins believing the Reds had played well enough in their second Asian Champions League game to record a victory against Chinese side Changchun.

And he said the players' motivation and attitude was still top rate, even after the A-League season and two ACL games.

"The boys have certainly put in a good effort and we are very hopeful that we can go to Vietnam and get our just rewards for all the hard work," he said.

"On the physical side of things, obviously the rest is a big part of trying to sustain the effort for a long period of time."

"I think the boys look quite fresh to be fair and in terms of the physical state of the players they are in good nick at the moment and we'll be trying to tick them over and get them right for game day."

"Hopefully with the rest of the squad getting quite healthy again, certainly the home game against the Vietnamese, we are looking to have healthy list on board."

Stubbins said he had enjoyed the extra responsibilities while Vidmar had been away. But he added he was still getting great satisfaction out of being the assistant coach.

"At this level it still allows me to sit back and assess things in a more constructive manner," he said.

"Through time I've become more accustomed to the role a little bit more and I quite enjoy it now."