The Pohang Steelers can create an advantageous situation for advancing to the round of 16 with just a draw, but they are full of will to think only about winning.
Pohang will play the third match of Group J of the 2023-24 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) against Urawa Reds at Saitama Stadium in Japan on the 24th.
Pohang, which is in first place with 6 points after two wins over Wuhan Sanjeon (China) and Hanoi FC (Vietnam), will have no problem maintaining the lead even if it draws against second place Urawa (4 points). If we win, it will be a better Pohang. Of course, if you lose, there is a possibility that your ranking will be overturned in some cases.
Urawa is in 3rd place in Japan’s J-League. Experienced Shinzo Goroki and young blood Tomoaki Okubo are expected to put pressure on Pohang.
Coach Kim Ki-dong said at a pre-press conference held at the same location on the 23rd, the day before, “When I participated in the ACL, I said the first game was important. I got off to a good start in the first game two weeks ago. Now, every game feels important. The Urawa game. “I think it will be a watershed for us to advance to the round of 16. I believe we will be able to achieve good results because we have prepared well and steadily,” he added.
Ko Young-jun, who contributed to winning the gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games as an attacking midfielder, also responded, “I came to Japan with many K-League games to be played. It is a Korea-Japan match. I want to get a good result against the Japanese team.”
Coach Maciei Skorsa Urawa chose Ko Young-jun as an impressive player in Pohang. He pledged to win, saying, “It feels really good that the opposing coach mentioned it that way. Since they looked at it favorably, I will prepare well for the game and bring about good results.”
Pohang and Urawa have similar team styles. Cut into small pieces based on passes to increase possession and score goals. Of course, Urawa is more aggressive and tougher.
Coach Kim was also concerned about the style of the game, saying, “Watching the video (of the match against Urawa), I thought it had a similar feel to us overall. It felt like the team was moving in an organized manner.” Ko Young-jun mentioned defender Hiroke Sakai, who was a European player such as Hannover and Marseille. “It is something we need to be most wary of,” he explained.
Being in an injury ward raises concerns about normal operation of the game. Coach Kim said, “He is not at 100% strength. Young players did a good job filling the gap due to injuries at the beginning of the season. Then, Wandelsson, Oberdan, Grant, and Baek Seong-dong are currently missing. “It’s a difficult situation, but I believe other players will fill the gap,” he encouraged the players.스포츠토토
Coach Kim only focuses on victory. He said, “No coach prepares for a draw while preparing for a game. He prepared to win. Victory and defeat are decided by heaven. “If I do my best and end up with a draw, I don’t think it’s a failure,” he said, predicting a strategic match.
Go Young-jun, who wants to meet Kubo Takefusa (Real Sociedad), who is known as Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain)’s best friend, at the stadium, indirectly bypassed Europe. He expressed his desire to advance because he is the most famous and anticipated player.