A chance to return to the FIFA Club World Cup is motivating Auckland City in their bid for a seventh straight OFC Champions League title.
The Navy Blues kick off their campaign on Saturday against Western United from the Solomon Islands.
They'll also face Lae City Dwellers from Papua New Guinea and Malampa Revivors from Vanuatu in Pool C.
Auckland City and Lae City Dweller also played in last year's competition. Photo: Photosport
Coach Ramon Tribulietx said hosting their pool in Auckland has its pros and cons.
"We can control a few things here: we know the field is going to be ok and we understand the weather is not going to be as difficult as up in the islands," he said.
"But then you've got the other side of the story is we've got players working, with day jobs, and these guys are here just for the football.
"So they've got a slight advantage over us in that respect."
Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx and captain Angel Luis Viña Berlanga pose with the OFC trophy. Photo: Photosport
Ramon Tribulietx said the chance to keep competing at the Club World Cup, against the top club sides from around the world, remains a major driver for the team.
"They also understand that when you're successful in this competition you've got a great opportunity to compete at a Club World Cup and they know how important that is in their lives," he said.
"That's, in some respects, an easier way of motivating them. They understand the positives out of this competition and I think it's a passion for the game as well.
"We love playing this game. We have a lot of players that have day jobs and they commit themselves to train full-time because they love this game.
"It's always a little bit more difficult to remotivate ourselves, after having done it so many times, but at the end of the day, once we step on the grass, it's football and that's what we love doing.
"And I'm pretty sure we will be up to the task on Saturday."
Ramon Tribulietx said with only the pool winner advancing to the semis all three games are like finals.
Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx is thrown skyward by in celebration. Photo: Photosport
