Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeonju: Coach Choi Kang-hee has backed strike partners Lee Dong-gook and Edu to help in-form K-League Classic leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors take a step toward a return to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League with victory over China’s Beijing Guoan in Tuesday’s last 16 first leg at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.
Former AFC Champions League MVP and top scorer Lee and Brazilian Edu (pictured, in green shirt) have inspired 2006 AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk to five consecutive victories in all competitions ahead of this week’s first leg, which includes Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Daejeon Citizen which lifted Choi’s defending champions eight points clear at the top of the table.
Edu was also on target earlier this month as Jeonbuk beat Chinese visitors Shandong Luneng 4-1 at Jeonju World Cup Stadium to earn Choi’s side a third consecutive appearance in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League.
“Lee Dong-gook and Edu are doing well in the forward line and are fit for tomorrow’s game and we prepared by playing Lee for only 70 minutes in the last domestic game,” said Choi, who guided Jeonbuk to the 2006 continental title as well as the 2011 final.
“We will try our best to make the defence as strong as possible, but with the fullbacks being replaced often this is difficult, and we need to work hard in training to make a solid defence.”
Group E runners-up Jeonbuk are unbeaten at home in the AFC Champions League this season, although Choi has seen his side exit the competition at the Round of 16 in the last two seasons having lost all four games against domestic rivals Pohang Steelers in 2014 and Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol in 2013.
And visitors Beijing are also on a good run of form with Gregorio Manzano’s side unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions after Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanovic scored twice to secure a 2-0 win over Liaoning on Saturday.
“Our progress during the group stage to the knockout stage was not easy and we tried our utmost to get the best results possible and do well in the AFC Champions League and K-League. And despite these difficulties, we made the knockout stage and that is why we have a good atmosphere and motivation in the squad,” added Choi.
“The knockout stage is home and away and over 90 minutes each, but the first match is at home so we will try our best to get a good result.
“We beat Shandong 4-1 in the last game and that gives us confidence ahead of the upcoming match. But comparing Shandong to Beijing, Beijing have a different style of play, Beijing have a better team atmosphere and chemistry in the squad and can create a lot of threat so we need to prepare differently.
“We will try to tactically beat Beijing. They play differently to Shandong and attack very well, and Dejan is a big threat, so we need to prepare to make a solid defence.”
Photo: WSG