Adelaide United will look to put a disappointing A-League season behind them when they kick off their AFC Champions League campaign against defending champions Pohang Steelers tonight.

The Reds recently finished bottom of their domestic league and will be keen to wipe the slate clean on the continental stage as they look to better their runners-up finish in 2008. Joe Mullen will lead the Reds in Asia with coach Aurelio Vidmar still to complete the relevant coaching qualifications for the tournament.

But Mullen, who usually coaches Adelaide's youth side, insists Vidmar remains very much involved with the preparation of the team. "He will be very critical to our success and he'll be involved alongside me tomorrow night," he said. "Viddie's experience in Asia is invaluable and to have him involved in such a big way is going to be critical to the success of the team."

Pohang's Champions League winning coach Sergio Farias has since departed to take the reigns of Saudi side Al Ahli. Along with Farias, a number of key players have also left the club but new coach Waldermar Lemos has faith in his current squad.

Our confidence is very high. We are very well prepared and our spirits are high.
Pohang Steelers coach Waldermar Lemos

"Losing players can happen any time during the season," he said. "Our confidence is very high. We are very well prepared and our spirits are high."

Tournament debutants Sanfrecce Hiroshima host Chinese side Shandong Luneng in the other game in the group. Japan's Sanfrecce only achieved top-flight status 12 months ago but coach Mihailo Petrovic insists his side will not be overawed by playing alongside Asia's elite.

"It's going to be a tough game tomorrow, but there are no easy games in the ACL," he said. "Our opponents are a strong side, as most of their regular players have experience of playing for their country. We respect them, but we are not afraid of anything. We are capable of playing against any team."

Shandong's new coach Branko Ivankovic, who recently replaced Ljubisa Tumbakovic, is equally confident. "It will be a tough game tomorrow but I will do my best to produce a good result in my first game with Shandong in the ACL," he said. "We are proud of playing in the ACL and we don't want to betray the expectations from our Shandong fans."