Ivankovic not underestimating Arema

Malang: Shandong Luneng boss Branko Ivankovic has warned his side that Arema Indonesia's poor start to the 2011 AFC Champions League is not a true reflection of their ability as the two sides prepare to go head to head in a Group G clash at Kanjuruhan Stadium.
Cui Peng and Wang Yongpo are suspended for the visitors, who have begun their continental campaign with a win and a defeat.
Arema, on the other hand, narrowly lost to Cerezo Osaka in Japan but were then outclassed at home by Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Shandong lost to Sriwijaya in Palembang in 2009 and Ivankovic is keen to avoid more Indonesian woe.
"I think Arema are one of the best Indonesian team I've seen,” he said.
“They play modern football and they're now well-known in Asia. They're going to give us a tough test.

"I've heard of the famous 'Aremania' and how tremendous their support is. It's going to be a factor but I don't think we will be intimidated. We're ready for it.
"Some of our players couldn't make it to Malang but our backup players are capable to step up and fill their boots, so I think we're going to be just fine.

"We don't have issue with the weather here. The humidity level is quite high but it's not a problem for us. We lost in Indonesia a couple of years ago but we're a better team this time."

Arema Indonesia coach Miroslav Janu, meanwhile, would be happy with a point against the Chinese side.

"We're by far the weakest team in this group. Other teams are stronger and we're expected to be pushovers,” he said.
“Despite losing, we could have actually managed to do something from the first two matches. This match is going to be no different. Shandong is expected to win here but it's not going to be easy.

"We have to win this game to keep our chance of going through the group stage alive. We desperately need a point."

The Crazy Lions will face Persija Jakarta in the Indonesian Super League's highest-profile match this weekend and Janu admitted he has one eye on that clash.

"It's been a privilege for us playing in this tournament but for now I prefer to concentrate on the domestic league,” he added.
“We have a big game coming up against Persija this weekend and I can say that Indonesian Super League is on top of our priorities.

"We're going to try our best but we will not be too disappointed if we don't come up with a result because we have other things in mind."

Janu hopes that Arema supporters, affectionately called 'Aremania', will back his team with their famous support.

"We need Aremania's voice to back our performance. Their support is second to none in this country and I hope they can put intimidating pressure on our opponents," he said.

Striker Ahmad Amiruddin echoed his coach and stated that his team-mates are ready to take Shandong.

"The boys are all in good shape. No matter who is going to play, we're ready to give one hundred percent," he said.