The squad arrived in Doha on Monday with training now underway at the Aspire Academy; surroundings Emblen says are certainly conducive to the task at hand.
“It’s a great environment to be in because of the place we’re at,” Emblen said.
“Everything we’ve got here is perfect – the pitches, equipment, the hotel, the food, the rooms; it’s perfect. It’s great to come into and now it’s about the work starting with the playing model and how we want to go forward.”
The first step in that journey begins on Tuesday (NZ time) against the 51st-ranked Uzbekistan side and Emblen says despite it begin early days in Hudson’s tenure, there’s no confusion about the aim.
“We want to try and win this game. It’s a full international, there are no friendlies. We want to try and get a good result and a positive performance and to see a group of players going at it to try and win the game.
“We’ve got more time together than most camps we’ve had recently and that time on the training pitch can be valuable. You’ll see lots of new things implemented and hopefully you’ll see that come out in the performance.”
Emblen, who guided the team as interim head coach earlier this year in matches against Japan and South Africa, says his role within the group is helping Hudson establish his approach.
“I’ll be trying to back Anthony’s new format and embedding that with the boys. It’s a supporting role and I’m excited by what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard. It’s really, really positive.
“Anthony is going to be a boss where everyone knows what’s expected of them and within the team on and off the pitch.”
With Ryan Thomas ruled out of the trip after withdrawing through injury, Junior All Whites attacker Joel Stevens has joined the team, something that excites Emblen as another young talent enters the senior frame.
“It’s a brilliant chance for Joel. He played in the Phoenix v NZ A game and got a full game in so Joel knows a lot of the boys.
“He’s certainly a sharp player who has got similar traits to Marco, Kosta, Tyler and Ryan. I’m sure Anthony is looking forward to working with that type of player; dynamic strikers who look to get beyond defenders and get in behind and I think that Joel fits in with that perfectly.”
Match details:
Uzbekistan v New Zealand
Pakhtakor Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tuesday 9 September, 2am (NZ time)
LIVE SKY Sport 3
Story courtesy of NZF
For more on New Zealand football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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