Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: FC Seoul may have scraped into the last 16 of the 2015 AFC Champions League but coach Choi Yong-soo is looking for a statement of intent in the first leg against Gamba Osaka on Wednesday evening as an indicator that his side are determined to go as far as possible in the continental competition.
In the final match of the group stage, an injury time winner from Colombian midfielder Mauricio Molina at Kashima Antlers gave the Korea Republic team a place in the knockout stages as the second place side in Group H behind China’s Guangzhou Evergrande, at the expense of Kashima and defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers of Australia.
However, having successfully negotiated what Choi had often labelled “the group of death”, the 41-year-old coach is now demanding more from his 2013 finalists against the Japanese treble winners.
“We came through a group that was full of tough teams and I was thankful to the players for their fighting spirit and effort,” said Choi, who also guided FC Seoul to the semi-finals last year.
“We are not satisfied just by reaching the last 16 and we want to keep going. Now we know that we have 180 minutes of tough football ahead but we are ready for the challenge.
“We face a strong opponent who shows what they can do every week in their league but we have prepared as much as we can to take a good result from the first leg ahead of the return meeting in a week’s time. We want to give a good performance in front of our fans”
After a poor start to the K-League Classic season, Seoul have now won four of their last five games in all competitions and have moved clear of the relegation zone, helped by a 3-0 win over Jeonnam Dragons on Saturday.
"We have been working hard all season and are now getting the results. We hope to do the same against Gamba,” added Choi, who singled out striker Takashi Usami as the J.League club’s danger man.
“Gamba are a team with lots of experienced players. We know about Takashi Usami and how he can make a difference in the final third, especially helped by the passing of Yasuhito Endo. We know that they will be tight at the back but we will do as much as we can to break through with our attacks.”
“But we should remember that this is not just about 90 minutes, there is another game after this. Of course, we are at home and we will be looking to score to take the advantage to Japan but it is more important that we don't make mistakes and concede.”
Photo: AFP