While Johor Darul Ta’zim prepares for a battle against the elements, Sanfrecce Hiroshima head coach Bartosch Gaul has his eyes fixed firmly on the prize.
Making his managerial debut in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 League Stage (East Zone), Gaul has vowed to secure a historic first home victory to guarantee his side’s passage to the knockout stages.
The stakes couldn’t be higher at the Edion Peace Wing Stadium. A win for the “Viola” doesn’t just mean three points—it means a confirmed ticket to the Round of 16 with matches to spare.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Gaul didn’t shy away from the importance of the fixture. He wants the job done, and he wants it done now.
“Of course, it’s in our minds that a win secures our advancement,” Gaul said with conviction. “Deciding it early is a good thing. We will fight at 100% to take those three points.”
Despite Hiroshima’s formidable home record, Gaul is under no illusions about the quality JDT brings to the pitch. He specifically highlighted the Southern Tigers’ foreign contingent as the primary threat.
“They have high individual ability, especially with their Brazilian and European players,” Gaul noted. “Their counter-attacks are very fast. We have to be alert. However, I believe if we can control the ball effectively, the momentum will naturally swing in our favor.”
Coming off a match against V-Varen Nagasaki on February 6, Hiroshima faces a tight three-day turnaround. However, Gaul dismissed any suggestions that his squad might be suffering from “heavy legs.”
Credit Photo : Sanfrecce Hisroshima
