Auckland FC have hit back at claims by Melbourne Victory winger Daniel Arzani that the team is "one dimensional".
Arzani made the comments following Victory's 1-0 first-leg semi-final loss at home against Auckland at the weekend.
"[Auckland are] a little bit, in my opinion, one dimensional with their play," he said.
"If we can overcome that first hurdle of getting on the ball higher up on the pitch in 1v1 situations we can give it a good crack this weekend."
Vice-captain Tommy Smith dismissed the suggestion on Breakfast.
"We all know the character he is. He likes to be slightly controversial.
"They've got talented players, they want to play to their strengths which is getting it in the final third. And we want to stop them from doing that. If that makes us one dimensional," he said.
Smith admitted it "adds to the fire" ahead of the second leg in Auckland on Saturday.
The club's chief executive Nick Becker was keen to point out the team’s record.
“We were the fastest team to score 50 goals and broke a few other records this season, I think 'one dimensional' is a bit unfair.
"When you’re on the wrong side of a 1-nil loss at home in front of your home fans you're going to be a bit upset and come out and say a few silly things.
"Hopefully those words come back and bite him in the proverbial."
Smith recognised the team has become a target for the rest of the league.
"That means we're doing something right, long may that continue."
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