Schedule killing A-L teams in ACL: Aloisi

Mar 1, 2017 - 4:14 AM Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi believes Football Federation Australia will be forced to re-examine A-League scheduling because they have made it "virtually impossible" for teams to compete in the AFC Champions League.

The Roar were smashed 6-0 by Ulsan Hyundai in South Korea on Tuesday night, continuing the utter humiliation of Australian sides at this year's tournament.

Western Sydney also suffered a 5-1 defeat to Shanghai SIPG on Tuesday night, following their 4-0 loss to Urawa Red Diamonds last week, while Adelaide United were dispatched 3-0 by Gamba Osaka.

The results have triggered a debate in Australian football as to what can be done to help A-League clubs, who are constrained by the salary cap, compete in Asia at a time when their rivals are spending big to sign bonafide stars like Carlos Tevez, Hulk and Oscar.

Aloisi admitted the Roar were totally outplayed by Ulsan, but said the impact of playing their ninth match in little more than a month - a workload he believes has triggered some of their injuries - could not be ignored.

"This is the reality we've got, that the scheduling does not help us, at all," Aloisi told AAP.

"I'm sure FFA, after seeing our result and a few other results, will look to revisit it for next season because they've made it virtually impossible for not only ourselves, but the other teams.

"You don't want to look for too many excuses, but I fully believe if we had our best side out, we could give anyone a game in Asia.

"I don't think that's a reflection on our league, I think it's a reflection on our travel and the injuries we've had in the last month.

"Playing within 72 hours of games doesn't help our players to recover. That's the reality, that's not looking for excuses."

FFA rarely bows to requests from clubs competing in the AFC Champions League to reschedule A-League games because of broadcasting requirements.

It has been a sore point for Aloisi, whose side tackled consecutive away trips to Shanghai, Melbourne and Perth in the space of 10 days earlier this month.

"Only a month ago we were full-strength and able to beat Shanghai Shenhua and then you come here and after a month of fixtures galore, going here there and everywhere, it catches up on you," Aloisi said.

The Roar appear to have picked up a fresh injury concern from Ulsan, with key midfielder Thomas Kristensen forced off in the second half with a quad strain.

At least they have the aid of a five-day break before their next match on Sunday away to the Newcastle Jets.

"(That) makes a bit more sense. That's due to luck, that's not due to scheduling," Aloisi said.

Source: AAP