Hwang looks to future as Steelers reel from ACL exit

After 210 minutes goalless failed to separate the two sides, FC Seoul goalkeeper Yu Sang-hun superbly denied Pohang captain Hwang Ji-soo as well as Kim Jae-sung and Park Hee-chul in the shootout at the end of the second leg at Seoul World Cup Stadium as the home side won 3-0 on penalties.

Pohang were making their first quarter-final appearance since 2010 after suffering back-to-back group stage exits in 2012 and 2013, but Hwang insists the 2009 AFC Champions League winners must make changes to again challenge in the continental competition having also won the Asian Club Championship in 1997 and 1998.

"I am sad about the result, but I appreciate the effort of our players. We need to prepare more for the AFC Champions League next time," said Hwang.

"We did our best this year in the AFC Champions League and I appreciate what the players have done, but we need more effort to go further next year and we will try and do our best in the K League to make sure we qualify.

"We were not nervous. Both teams are at the same level and the players did their best.

"I have not seen three consecutive penalties saved before, but the players did their best and it is down to luck."

Pohang are on course to qualify for the AFC Champions League next year with Hwang's side just three points behind current K League Classic leaders Jeonbuk Motors in second place in the domestic standings.

Hwang, though, highlighted the mid-season departure of midfielder Lee Myung-joo to Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates as a reason behind Pohang's AFC Champions League exit this year.

"After Lee Myung-joo left our forward line is weaker so we had a hard time," added Hwang.

"We need to be more realistic and I take responsibility for this result as we did the best we could."

Photo: WSG