Tianjin Teda coach Zuo Shusheng has dismissed his side's chances in their opening Asian Champions League clash against Japan's Kawasaki Frontale, claiming his side are overrated.

Tianjin have added a number of players to their squad, including former Italy international Damiano Tommasi and Australian Mark Bridge, but Zuo does not believe the Chinese Super League side will be ready to challenge Frontale in tomorrow's Group H encounter.

"I have always said that the media overrate us and this kind of thing is not good for our performances," said Zuo. "Kawasaki are much better than us and this is an away game so we have a disadvantage."

Frontale reached the quarter-finals of the 2007 competition, losing on penalties to eventual finalists Sepahan from Iran, and coach Takashi Sekizuka clearly does not subscribe to Zuo's take on proceedings.

"We've practised what we've got to do," said Sekizuka, who returned to the club after taking a few months' rest due to health reasons.

"Tianjin players have good individual physiques and are strong in important positions. They are a very good attacking team.

"We don't know how our opponent will begin the game but we'll focus on our game and go for three points."

Central Coast Mariners, meanwhile, will make their debut appearance in the competition when they take on two-time Asian champions Pohang Steelers at Gosford's Bluetongue Stadium.

Pohang, who won the Asian Club Championship title in 1997 and 1998, are among the favourites for the title but Mariners manager Lawrie McKinna is hoping to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Adelaide United and make an impact on this year's competition.

"Adelaide went into the AFC Champions League last year and nobody gave them a chance," said McKinna. "If we can get through the qualifying stages, I think that's a great achievement for any Australian team and that's our goal at the moment.

"It'll be a huge night for the Central Coast, a huge night for the region, and I still don't think most Australians realise how big it is and how well Adelaide did last year by achieving what they did, so for us to get that opportunity is huge for the club and, hopefully, we go out there tomorrow and do the Central Coast proud."