Guangzhou Evergrande coach Luiz Felipe Scolari rued having to start the AFC Champions League semi-final encounter with Gamba Osaka on home soil ahead of Wednesday’s first leg. 

The former World Cup winner joined the Chinese club in June, tasked with bringing a second continental title to Tianhe Stadium.

He has succeeded in taking his side to the final four, although he lamented having to play the return leg of the game away to Gamba at Banpaku Stadium

“It would be better to play the second match at home, but we didn’t get to choose the schedule,” Scolari told reporters. 

“We’re only concerned about getting a good result tomorrow. I don’t want to compare Gamba to the other Japanese teams we’ve faced in this competition, as we’re in yet another stage of the tournament. 

“They’re a very strong team and have great players at all positions.”