Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Suwon: Suwon Samsung’s meeting with Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol in the first leg of their AFC Champions League last 16 tie is not only vital to the continental aspirations of the K-League Classic side but also a chance to restore some pride, according to coach Seo Jung-won.
In the group stage of the 2013 continental competition, J.League side Kashiwa won 6-2 at Suwon World Cup Stadium after Suwon amazingly missed three of the four penalties they were awarded.
But after securing a place in the Round of 16 this year with a game to spare having finished second in Group F behind China’s Beijing Guoan but ahead of Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, the two-time Asian Club Championship winners welcome 2013 semi-finalists Kashiwa back to Suwon World Cup Stadium eyeing an advantage ahead of next week’s return fixture.
“This is the second round and the first leg is very important” said Suwon coach Seo.
“We are ready to do all we can to get the win at home. Kashiwa have a good record against Korean teams, but already this year we have defeated Urawa Reds home and away and we are confident we can do well.
“We are looking to recover from that big defeat of two years ago and the players are keen to do so also. We have some players who have bad memories of that game especially Jong Tae-se who missed two penalties.
“But things have changed since then. Kashiwa played three at the back, but usually play 4-1-4-1 these days and we are also in better shape, although I am a little concerned about the players' condition as the fixtures are coming very quickly at the moment.”
Striker Masato Kudo scored twice against Suwon in 2013 and the Kashiwa frontman has already netted three times in the AFC Champions League this season as the J.League side topped Group E ahead of current K-League Classic leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
“Kudo is a player we know we have to be careful of. He scores plenty of goals,” added Seo, who saw Suwon beat Jeju United 1-0 on Saturday to remain in second place in the K-League Classic table.
“His movement is excellent and he can pull defenders out of position and so can help others score too.
“We know that Kashiwa have class all over the field, but we are in good form too and we are looking forward to this game.”
Photo: WSG