Auckland FC Manager Steve Corica Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Auckland FC coach Steve Corica said they are taking the challenge of reaching the A-League grand final head on.
The club is back in Auckland after beating Melbourne Victory 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final series in Melbourne.
Corica, a champion as a player and a coach, is happy with where his side is at.
"They looked really good so I'm sure going home will feel even more comfortable for them, Corica told RNZ.
"We're excited about it, we're using the pressure to build more excitement and to walk towards it and enjoy every moment we're having."
Auckland will also get to play at their fortress of Mount Smart. They won eight, drew four and lost one at the ground during the regular season.
The ground capacity has been increased for the semi-final and a potential Grand Final.
On Saturday Auckland kept Victory scoreless for the third time this season and it is the 13th time the side had recorded a clean sheet this season.
"We know them really well now, we've played them several times during the year.
"We know exactly what we have to do to stop them again."
Auckland FC head back into training on Tuesday with Corica saying it will be a normal week of training for them.
And not a lot is likely to change on the field in the second leg on Saturday night.
"It'll be a similar game plan for us, to be positive, go into the game wanting to win and hopefully we come out on top."
Victory coach Arthur Diles admits his side needs to take more chances in the return leg.
Melbourne City lead Western United 3-0 after the first leg of the other semi-final.
If Auckland win their semi-final the Grand Final will be played at Mount Smart.
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