Malaysia head coach Norizan Bakar and his Chinese counterpart Zhu Guanghu are both in confident mood ahead of their opening AFC Asian Cup Group C clash at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil National Stadium tonight.
Despite being one of the tournament's rank outsiders, Norizan believes the co-hosts have a chance to counter some of the criticism levelled at them during their lacklustre build-up to the competition.
"We have been motivated by what has been said about the standard of football in our country," the former Perlis and Penang boss explained.
"Now is the time, in fact now is the best time, for the players and the team as a whole to show everyone that we can perform. We will see how motivated the players are against China."
He continued: "We know very well that we are the hosts and that we are going to play some great finalists in the Asian Cup.
"The question now of course is whether my players want to be outdone by the good players or whether they are going to try to stop the good players.
"We have to play China, we have to play Uzbekistan and we have to play Iran. The question is simple: are we going to be outplayed by them or do we want to show them that we are on the same level?"
Meanwhile, Zhu has been keen to point out that China will not be underestimating their Malaysian opponents.
"The opening match is always a difficult one, especially when you have to play the hosts," he said. "I do, however, think that all the teams in the final 16 are very strong.
"Every one of the teams playing here is capable of qualifying for the quarter-finals and even the semi-finals, and of course, we have prepared very well for tomorrow's match.
"We respect every opponent, especially Malaysia. I have noticed that they have changed their tactics slightly and have recruited some taller players. We will try our best to conquer all the difficulties that there are here. Our players are ready."
Zhu also believes the tough playing conditions he has already witnessed may force his side to adjust their tactics somewhat.
"It is different playing here in the Asean region with the hot and humid weather," he said. "The Vietnam and Thailand matches have also told us that, as did our recent friendly match against the Thais.
"Because of this, we may play a different style in order to win the game."
"We have been motivated by what has been said about the standard of football in our country," the former Perlis and Penang boss explained.
"Now is the time, in fact now is the best time, for the players and the team as a whole to show everyone that we can perform. We will see how motivated the players are against China."
He continued: "We know very well that we are the hosts and that we are going to play some great finalists in the Asian Cup.
"The question now of course is whether my players want to be outdone by the good players or whether they are going to try to stop the good players.
"We have to play China, we have to play Uzbekistan and we have to play Iran. The question is simple: are we going to be outplayed by them or do we want to show them that we are on the same level?"
Meanwhile, Zhu has been keen to point out that China will not be underestimating their Malaysian opponents.
"The opening match is always a difficult one, especially when you have to play the hosts," he said. "I do, however, think that all the teams in the final 16 are very strong.
"Every one of the teams playing here is capable of qualifying for the quarter-finals and even the semi-finals, and of course, we have prepared very well for tomorrow's match.
"We respect every opponent, especially Malaysia. I have noticed that they have changed their tactics slightly and have recruited some taller players. We will try our best to conquer all the difficulties that there are here. Our players are ready."
Zhu also believes the tough playing conditions he has already witnessed may force his side to adjust their tactics somewhat.
"It is different playing here in the Asean region with the hot and humid weather," he said. "The Vietnam and Thailand matches have also told us that, as did our recent friendly match against the Thais.
"Because of this, we may play a different style in order to win the game."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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