Ernie Merrick believes A-League teams are bridging the gap on clubs in Asian leagues.

The Melbourne Victory coach says there is not much between a few certain leagues but concedes Japan's J-League is still easily the strongest.

"There is not much between the Australian, South Korean and Chinese teams," he said.

"No doubt the stronger league is in Japan where the technical skills and speed is of a higher quality but I think we are rapidly closing the gap.

"When you consider their big budgets, they are not restricted by salary caps and have bigger squads, the Australian clubs have done well.

"Our clubs have certainly made progress."