Shoma Doi insists Kashima Antlers have plenty to learn after their chastening 4-3 defeat to Bangkok United in the Asia Challenge Trophy on Thursday.

The Japanese champions leaked four goals in the opening 40 minutes, and even the exploits of Mu Kanazaki, Leandro and Leo Silva in front of goal could not pull them level.

And Doi believes the team needs to help itself at the back in order to avoid making things difficult for themselves in the new J1 League as well as AFC Champions League season. 

“Some players were participating in their first match of the season and some of our new players still have to adjust to the squad,” the new arrival told reporters.

“But we should not have allowed four goals in the first half. We have to make sure this does not happen again. 

“We will play a Thai club in the AFC Champions League so I hope we can use the lessons from this tournament as we prepare. 

“This competition was good for the development of teams in Asia and I hope it will continue.”