Singapore's Lions City Sailors look to ride on the momentum of a positive maiden campaign in the AFC Champions League and focus on domestic honors.
The Sailors were in Group F of Asia's biggest club competition in April and were in contention for a place in the Round of 16 going into the final Match day.
The Sailors managed a total of seven points and even defeated South Korea's Daegu FC 3-0 - a first for a Singaporean club in the AFC Champions League.
On the domestic front, the Sailors are top of the Singapore Premier League on 22 points from nine matches, six ahead of second place Albirex Niigata Singapore.
"From the recent experience at the AFC Champions League, as a club, we now know which direction to move towards and improve in order to compete at a higher level. It's not just about the style of football that we want to play. It's also about the preparation that we need to have. Our outlook is also clearer in terms of the work that we have to do. It was a very good learning process for us to establish the direction ahead." Said Kim Do Hoon, Lion City Sailors head coach.
They have managed to win all three their matches since their return from the Champions League and are at the top of the Singapore Premier League on 25 points from ten matches played. Albirex Niigata Singapore are second on 16 points from nine matches. The domestic season is currently on a break due to the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and will resume on 19th June.
"The domestic league right now will be very important. It will be the key for the future. We have to be the leading team in the league and develop ourselves. This will help to develop other teams and push for better standards. From the experience that we gained from the AFC Champion League, we can pass on the positive mindset to the rest of the league. This can help the league to be better recognized in the region. We have to work accordingly and keep the momentum going. Ultimately, we are here to develop the level of domestic football in Singapore." Kim added.
The Singapore Premier League champions will gain automatic entry into next year's AFC Champions League.
(With input from AP)