[Barclays Asia Trophy] - Humid worries, No Bus Parking ...

BAT2015 pre-match presser

Everything is ready to get set for the seventh edition of the Barclays Asia Trophy - the gala event that will see three Barclays Premier League teams - Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City to feature alongside a Singapore Selection that comprises of mainly the Singapore national players with a few S.League imports over the next few days.

In a pre-match press conference that was filled with media from all over, each team was represented by their team manager (coach) and their captain for get-together at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Scotts Road.

Everton's manger Martinez and skipper Jagielka

The humid climate is singled out as one of the main concerns shared by Everton manager Roberto Martinez while taking questions from the floor that surrounded the recent transfer market, expectations of the Toffees for their upcoming domestic season which skipper and England international Phil Jagielka hopes to finish at "any position that will qualify them for Europe".

"NO PARKING THE BUS" PROMISED SUNDRAM
"The team have worked hard for this tournament and they don't need further motivation to play against some of the best players in the world," said Singapore Selection coach V Sundramoorthy in their media session after Everton completed theirs. "We looking forward to play against those we seen on TV week in and week out."

Coach Sundram promised "no bus parking"

"It will be a great experience to pit against (Arsene) Wenger and we are going all out to play by limit their space that we are not going to park any bus" added the former Singapore striker when asked if the "bus" tactics would be deployed as the main defensive option.

Joining the "Dazzler" was the Selection's custodian Izwan Mahbud who achieved a cult status in the region for his recent brilliance against Japan in the World Cup qualifiers that it wasn't surprise to ask if the Lions XII 'keeper is ready to repeat the same feat.

Responding to that query, the 1.79m 'keeper said:"I am not sure if I can break the record (of 18 saves) I set against Japan. For me, every game is a big one and I am expected to perform in every one of them, it's something I will cherish to able to play against those I seen on TV and with many of them are so attacking minded."

Stoke City's manager Mark Hughes hope for good start

Stoke City were the first of the three BPL sides that arrived in the Lion City to prepare themselves for the tournament.

Said The Potters manager Mark Hughes:"It definitely gives us more time to recuperate and acclimatize ourselves for arrived earlier for the tournament,

"It will be a good start for us to do well in this tournament, given the quality of the teams we be playing against and should be an exciting pre-season ahead." added the Welsh legend.

Wenger expects "quick and disciplined" local opponents

Scheduled to take on their opponents in the second match of tomorrow's openers, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted he has no knowledge of his opponents - Singapore Selection.

WENGER: WE EXPECTED TO "SUFFER",
Said the Frenchman:"I don't know anything about Singapore (Selection), but I had worked in Asia before that when playing against (teams like) Arsenal, I expecting quick and disciplined game from (the local) teams,

"However, as we still in preparation (for new season), I think we are expected to suffer." added the long-serving Gunners manager.