Shanghai SIPG boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is convinced his team can only “get better” after last Friday’s drab derby draw.
The big-spending side played out a dire 1-1 stalemate with Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League to continue an underwhelming start to the season.
Their ex-England boss is sure he will see an improvement in today’s third Group G commitment in the 2016 AFC Champions League, when SIPG host Japan’s Gamba Osaka.
He said: “Compared to last year, Shanghai Shenhua’s squad is much stronger, but our performance wasn’t particularly good – I believe it will get better.”
Meanwhile, Tractor Sazi boss Amir Ghalenoei is looking to build on the momentum created by a Group C opening double against Al Jazira.
The Iranians travel to Uzbekistan Professional Football League champions Pakhtakor tonight.
“It is great to achieve our second consecutive win in the competition, this will definitely give us a great push in the remaining four matches in the group,” said Ghalenoei.
