The draw held in Nagoya City yesterday threw up a possible repeat of the 2009 quarter-final when Auckland City faced CONCACAF champions Atlante. If City can slip past the J.League champions they will face a Mexican side again in the form of Monterrey.
“CF Monterrey is a fantastic team but we want to focus on the first game,” Tribulietx says.
“Any of the teams would have been difficult but Monterrey is the best of that trio. Two years ago we played Atlante and they were top class.”
But while the quarter-final draw has been somewhat unfavourable, Tribulietx is quick to point out the J.League champions won’t be any easier.
“We have domestic and Oceania matches to play yet so our focus remains on Hekari United and Manawatu – and then we will worry about the J.League champions.”
Tribulietx will name his final squad of 22 players on November 24, four days ahead of the official deadline set by FIFA.
“There will be some tough decisions to make before we leave and one of those will be naming the squad,” he says.
“We’ve won five games since the season started and the competition for places has been intense. But I think we will be in a strong position to name our group by the end of next week,” Tribulietx says.
That means this Saturday’s O-League match against Hekari looms as the last chance for players to impress before Thursday’s deadline.
When asked who would win the FIFA Club World Cup the Barcelona-born Tribulietx said there was only one team to look out for.
“Barcelona must be favourites to retain the trophy. Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi are three of the best players on earth, they are phenomenal.”
In J.League action, two of Auckland City’s rivals are in action on Friday when Nagoya Grampus Eight visit Yokohama while Gamba Osaka travel to relegation threatened Albirex. Table-toppers Kashiwa Reysol play Shimizu S-Pulse on Saturday.

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