Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold is contemplating fielding a ‘B side’ in the A-League finals to boost their chances in the AFC Champions League.
Speaking after the Mariners’ 1-0 triumph over the Brisbane Roar last week, Arnold outlined the stark reality of playing two high-level competitions simultaneously.
The win secured a top-two spot for the Mariners and Arnold said he would give his side two days’ extra rest in the coming week before they return to training.
Arnold said the result “might change the selection policy for next week (against Adelaide) and Melbourne Heart definitely”.
“I think I’ll rest a lot of players,” he said.
With an eye on the AFC Champions League, Arnold said: “We have got Guizhou Renhe on the 3rd of April (at home) and then Guizhou Renhe on the Wednesday before our first semi-final.
“I’ve got a plan in my head of what I want to do. It’s either a youth team in the (A-League) semi-final or a youth team in the Champions League. Players can’t do both.”
Arnold spoke about the toll the tough run of fixtures was taking on his squad.
“The expectancy level of what they are doing (is too hard.) Physically we have got 19 players and it’s been tough to push 19 players,” he said.
“There are two types of fatigue – physical and mental. The physical side they are out on their feet and the mental side, their decision-making and what they are doing (is below standard); they are off their legs.”
International duties will also hurt the Mariners, with New Zealand midfielder Michael McGlinchey and Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan to miss the Adelaide clash.
Source: Hamish Neal for Omnisport.
