Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeonju: Coach Choi Kang-hee has called on K-League Classic table-toppers Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to replicate their domestic form in Wednesday’s Group E showdown with China’s Shandong Luneng for a place in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League.
The 2006 champions started the group stage strongly, which included a 4-1 win over Shandong in China, but Jeonbuk have dropped five points in the previous two games against Vietnamese champions Becamex Binh Duong and Group E winners Kashiwa Reysol of Japan.
Jeonbuk, though, are currently eight points clear at the top of their domestic championship and not short of confidence ahead of the meeting with Shandong at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.
“Our target for March to May was to be top of the K-League and to progress to the last 16 of the AFC Champions League by winning our group,” said Jeonbuk coach Choi.
“We can't finish first, but we can take second and the players have done well to come this far.
“This is the last game of the group so we have prepared as well as we can and will do our best to give our fans something to smile about.”
A draw will be enough for Jeonbuk to join Kashiwa in the knockout stage for the third year in succession, while Shandong need all three points to secure passage into the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2005 edition.
“Shandong are strong going forward, with plenty of good players and options in attack and they showed that in beating Beijing Guoan 3-0 recently in the Chinese Super League,” added Choi, who will be without defender Cho Sung-hwan through suspension.
“Cho Sung-hwan’s suspension is not a big problem. There is Alex Wilkinson, Kim Hyung-il and Kim Ki-hee who can come in.
“We are at home so there is no reason for our defence to fear their attackers and though a point is all we need, we plan to play our normal game.”
Shandong coach Cuca must also re-shuffle his squad with midfielder Zhang Chi suspended as the visitors seek a third win of the campaign.
“Jeonbuk are a strong team and in a better position than us,” said Brazilian coach Cuca.
“They don't have to win, they are at home, they have no injuries and are in first place in their league. Everything is in their favour.
“But we will give everything we have to try and play the perfect game. Realistically, the chances of Jeonbuk going through are good, but we will try our best.
“We are ready to give 100% in order to win this game.”
Photo: WSG