Auckland won their first domestic title in five years when they downed Team Wellington in the ASB Premiership final by 1-0 thanks to an Emiliano Tade goal.
But now the Navy Blues face their toughest challenge yet when they travel to Fiji to defend their Oceania title in the tournament’s group stage competition in Ba and Lautoka.
Central defender Berlanga, who spent a season in professional football in India, says opponents Amicale, AS Dragon and Nadi will be difficult.
“Amicale has signed some very good European players that will strengthen an already useful team and the games with AS Dragon were some of the hardest games we’ve played in the region ever according to my team-mates.
“Nadi is probably the lesser known team but they will be very dangerous as they will play at home in front of their own supporters,” he says.
Berlanga missed last season’s victorious Oceania campaign instead opting for a professional contract with Indian Premier League side Sporting Club de Goa.
The athletic defender stayed for one season but doesn’t regret his decision to experience India.
“The life experience was really good. It is a country so different from the world we all know.
“It is indescribable, you have to live it to really understand the differences and the football was really hard because we normally played at 3pm in the heat and on artificial turf so the weather conditions made it a big challenge,” he says.
The weather in Fiji will be no different with temperatures around 28c the norm for this time of year and the humidity high.
“We are lacking some good experienced players and that means the new players will have to be up to the task in Fiji.
“We know that we are in probably the toughest pool but that is also motivation for us. If you want to win the OFC Champions League you have to beat the best teams in Oceania,” he says.
Auckland City drew on that strength to lift their first domestic title last month and Berlanga believes the team spirit and belief was a major factor in their history making championship win.
“I think our strength comes from our group. Everybody is training with intensity what makes that every player want to push himself.
“Everybody rows in the same direction and I think that is the key for our successes. Of course it helps when all of the players are in top form like Emiliano Tade, Joao Moriera and Ivan Vicelich, but so are other guys like John Irving, Tamati Williams, Mario Bilen and Ryan De Vries – I think I could name all of our players in that list.
“This means it will be very difficult for the coach to pick his top team and this is a good problem to have,” he says.
The focus remains firmly on retaining the crown Auckland City won nearly a year ago but Berlanga says lifting the ASB Premiership title should not be underestimated.
“There was pressure on us to win the ASB Premiership, of course. For a club like Auckland City FC to not win the league for five years is huge.
“Winning the final 1-0 over Team Wellington was more of a relief for us,” he says, “We were really happy for ourselves of course but also for all that people that love and support our team and our club.”
Auckland City FC opens its OFC Champions League campaign on Tuesday 8 April when they tackle host club Nadi at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 4pm local time.
Their next match is with AS Dragon three days later in the early kick-off at 1pm.
The group stage concludes for the Navy Blues when they entertain Amicale on Wednesday 14 April at 4pm.
Ends

Share