Football: Japan the final frontier for Ramon Tribulietx

Ramon Tribulietx has won everything in New Zealand domestic football, as well as four consecutive Oceania Champions League titles. Photo / Getty Images

Ramon Tribulietx doesn't like to talk about the final frontier, but that's what tonight's match against J-League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima feels like.

The Auckland City coach has won everything in New Zealand domestic football, as well as four consecutive Oceania Champions League titles. He's overseen a profound evolution of playing style at the club, from a more direct approach to a possession based system.

Tribulietx was also involved as technical adviser during Auckland City's Club World Cup successes in the UAE in 2009, then was the architect of their incredible run to third place in Morocco last year. He's done almost everything, but a win in Japan remains the most difficult quest.

"I don't know about it being the final hurdle but obviously it is a very difficult task," said Tribulietx.

"For the size of our club to come here, to a country of more than 120 million people and playing not just a professional team but the best professional team in Japan, that's a massive challenge."

Tribulietx is accustomed to upsetting the odds but this could be the toughest ask of his coaching career so far. San Lorenzo last year were a daunting proposition, but there is something about the Japanese style of play - with their impeccable technique, pace and movement in and out of possession - that makes it very difficult for a New Zealand-based team.

"Everybody knows what is normal in this scenario," said Tribulietx.

"We are the underdogs by a long way. However - like last year - we have to make sure that normality doesn't prevail. I'll always had a feeling that we could compete on the pitch but it is also about the mentality of the players...it will be a matter of what happens in the heat of the moment."

After their deeds last year, Auckland City are well respected ahead of this match and a comment from Hiroshima striker Hisano Sato said it all.

Sato is the all time leading goal scorer in the J-League and has also played 31 times for the Japanese national team.

When asked what he expected from Auckland City, he emphasized their clever play and ability to keep possession.

"They look pretty comfortable on the ball and build up their game well from the back," said Sato.

Since when has that been said about a team from this country, on such a stage?

Tonight's match is Auckland City's third encounter with the J-League champions. In 2011 they lost to Kashiwa Reysol 2-0 and three years ago they went down to Sanfrecce Hiroshima by a single goal.

"The current team is more mature with the way we play with the ball than 2012," said Tribulietx.

"In 2012 we played a good game in patches and had quite a lot of ball after they scored but when the game was even we showed a little bit of immaturity in the way we played with the ball. That was understandable - that was the beginning of all this and that's the natural evolution."

Looking at tonight's match, Tribulietx is confident the team can overcome the loss of the injured Ivan Vicelich, who scooped the bronze ball at last year's tournament.

"In terms of the leadership and experience on the field we have some other guys that need to take responsibility. It's a loss but we have to overcome it."

A final call on Angel Berlanga will be made just before kickoff, with the Spanish fullback in doubt due to a hamstring strain. If he can't take the field Jesse Edge, Andrew Milne and Darren White could be among the options to take his place.