Auckland FC’s star captain Hiroki Sakai is not straying from his pre-season “target” of a top-six finish even in the midst of the Isuzu UTE A-League newcomers’ history-making start to 2024-25.
The Black Knights have shattered all kinds of records, having won all six of their league fixtures so far to sit stop the standings – including a 38-year-old national league record for the longest time without conceding a goal to begin a season.
“But as I said, we have to stay humble.”
Asked if his “target” had changed, Sakai – a veteran of three FIFA Men’s World Cups with Japan – replied with a smile: “No. My target is top six.”
“The most important thing is we keep a great attitude. This is important. We are not so strong, we are not champions yet,” former Urawa Reds and Marseille full-back Sakai continued.
