“We have to dig deep into Wuhan’s defense.”
That’s what Pohang Steelers head coach Kim Ki-dong said ahead of his side’s Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) clash with Wuhan Shenhua (China).
Speaking at a press conference at Pohang Steel Yard on Wednesday, a day before the second leg of the 2023-2024 ACL Group J match, Kim said, “We got off to a good start in the first leg against Hanoi. It’s our first game at home. If we play as prepared, we have a good chance of winning,” he said confidently.
Pohang won the first leg of the group stage against Vietnam’s Hanoi FC 4-2 away on March 20. They will host Wuhan for the second leg.
Wuhan has Brazilian striker Malcung, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2018 K League 1, and national team defender Park Ji-soo. However, both are expected to miss the game against Pohang due to injury. Coach Kim said, “Malcung and Park Ji-soo, who played in the K League, are expected to miss the match due to injury. Wuhan is a team with a good offside trap and good counterattack. To win, we will have to dig deep into the Wuhan defense.”
“I’m worried about the ACL,” he said, “because if we make it through the group stage, we’ll have to rebuild the team after December. I’m worried that the players may change.”
Pohang’s main left fullback, Wandelsson, was injured. Kim said, “We lost an important player at a crucial time. We’ve lost a lot of players this season, but other players have been filling in well. I’m sure other players will step up to the plate in Wandelsson’s place.” 메이저사이트
Also present at the press conference was striker Zeca, who scored an assisted hat-trick in Hanoi. “We are preparing to win like any other game,” he said. “Of course I want to score, but I’m not interested in personal records,” he said. “The most important thing is that the team wins with my play. I think all the players will play for the team to win.”