Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: “A winning mentality and perseverance” were key to FC Seoul’s 1-0 victory over Kashima Antlers according to the K-League club’s coach Choi Yong-soo, after he helmed the Korean side to their first victory of the 2015 AFC Champions League at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Wednesday.
Kim Jin-kyu’s 66th minute strike was enough to give FC Seoul all three points and get their continental campaign back on track after last week’s defeat to former champions Guangzhou Evergrande in the southern Chinese city.
And the result sees FC Seoul now level on points in second place in Group H with holders Western Sydney Wanderers who were defeated by group leaders Guangzhou 3-2 in the day’s earlier game having themselves beaten Kashima last week.
Match report: FC Seoul 1-0 Kashima Antlers
“I think there were some dangerous moments in the game but our players had a winning mentality and perseverance that resulted in us overcoming those difficult moments,” said FC Seoul coach Choi.
“Even though there were many dangerous moments I’m very pleased we had the first victory in our home game and I hope we have more home victories.”
Zeng’s injury added to that of Brazilian striker Alan, who is thought to be out for around six months after suffering an injury in training.
Spanish defender Osmar Barba was a noticeable absentee from the FC Seoul squad, with the former Buriram United player an ever-present for the Korean last season.
“Osmar had an injury in the game against Guangzhou, he’s getting better but I think there are many other players who can do a good job and are well prepared,” added Choi.
“The starting line-up changes every time, I think it’s very clear I can choose many different players to start, by doing this the players can gain more experience and develop.”
Despite the result in the Korean capital being Kashima’s second defeat in a row after their opening day defeat least week to Western Sydney, their coach Toninho Cerezo was satisfied with the experience and the football on display.
“I think it was a spectacular game, and although I’m very sorry for the supporters the players fought very well. I thank the players for their performances; we had a great experience and it was great for the players,” said Kashima coach Cerezo.
“The physical side of Asian players is getting better and better and when it comes to football there is winning and losing but the whole game was good, even though we lost we are quite satisfied with the experience.
“We try to get a lot of goals and had a lot of chances and we kind of dominated the game, so in the future as time goes by we will get better and better.”
Photo: WSG