Selangor FC head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi is keeping his focus firmly on his own squad’s development, despite acknowledging the strength of the teams they will face in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 group stage.
Speaking after the official draw, Kinoshi welcomed the relatively short travel distances in the group, which includes regional rivals such as Thailand’s Bangkok United, Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, and Indonesia’s Persib Bandung.
“Playing opponents close to Malaysia helps us maintain our condition. But all three teams in our group have history and quality. It’s not about who we face — the most important thing is who we are and how we play,” he said.
Selangor’s immediate aim is to progress beyond the group stage.
“Qualifying for the knockout round is our first milestone. After that, it’s one step at a time, one match at a time. Our target is to improve the team and ourselves in every game,” Kinoshi added.
One opponent in particular has caught the Japanese coach’s attention — Lion City Sailors striker Anderson Lopes, the current J.League top scorer.
“When you have a player of his calibre, it makes a huge difference. I know him well, having watched him closely last season and this year. Teams with players like him can go all the way to the final stages, so we must prepare well.”
Selangor FC, who are also competing in the Malaysia Super League, Shopee Cup, and FA Cup this season, will now enter a crucial preparation phase before their ACL Two opener.
Credit Photo : Simon Yap/SNE-Photo
