Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s tactical mastermind, Bartosch Gaul, has officially laid down the gauntlet ahead of their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 blockbuster against Johor Darul Ta’zim.
While many visiting coaches might play it safe at the “Fortress” Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Gaul is throwing the cautious playbook out the window.
“I’m not here for a draw. For me, the win is everything,” Gaul declared, signaling an aggressive approach for the Japanese side.
With a crucial return leg scheduled for March 11 in Hiroshima, Gaul knows that a positive result in Johor is the golden ticket. But it’s not just about the tactics on the grass; it’s about surviving the Malaysian humidity. The message to his squad? Focus. Adapt. Execute.
Sanfrecce might have the historical edge with a 2-1 win back in February, but Gaul isn’t letting his team get complacent. He’s well aware that JDT played most of that match with a man down after Jonathan Da Silva’s early shower. Against a full-strength Southern Tigers squad, Gaul knows he’s facing a completely different beast.
Adding steel to the Hiroshima side is the return of Sho Sasaki. The skipper is ready to embrace the “cauldron” atmosphere of a sold-out SSI.
“We just need to focus on our own team and try our best to absorb the pressure of playing in a full stadium tomorrow,” said Sasaki.
Credit Photo : AFC
