Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Beijing: Beijing Guoan coach Gregorio Manzano insists Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with FC Seoul did not ruin his birthday celebrations despite seeing the Chinese Super League side fall short of a first win in this year’s AFC Champions League.
Beijing appeared to have handed Manzano, who was only appointed Beijing coach at the end of last month, the ideal 58th birthday present with Nigerian striker Peter Utaka opening the scoring after 20 minutes at Workers’ Stadium.
And despite seeing Beijing goalkeeper Yang Zhi sent off in stoppage time after FC Seoul substitute Go Yo-han had equalised with 19 minutes remaining, Manzano remained upbeat after seeing his side add to last month’s 1-1 draw with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan.
“As expected we had a tough start. Undoubtedly, we were fully aware of FC Seoul's ability as they were the finalists in the AFC Champions League last year. Most of the time we played well, but we were a bit too tight in the final minutes,” said Manzano.
“Today is my birthday and I had hoped to have three points as a birthday gift, but I am also quite happy and satisfied with the fighting spirit and tactical quality that my players presented.
“We had minor mistakes in defence and those let the opponent score a goal, but my players fought after it became 1-1 and I am quite happy with this birthday gift.”
Having beaten Beijing 3-1 in last year’s Round of 16 en route to the final, opposite number Choi Yong-soo was quick to praise the Chinese Super League side who now boast former FC Seoul captain Ha Da-sung amongst their ranks after the midfielder left the K-League Classic side at the end last season.
“We tried very hard and played well. We were particularly good in defence even though we scored and only got a draw,” said FC Seoul coach Choi.
“We saved Go Yo-han for later in the game because he hasn’t trained a lot recently, but when our opponent was tired, we thought it was the right time to put him on.
“This year we have only played against Beijing once, and it was not enough for us to comment on them, but compared with the Beijing team from last year, I think they have improved a lot. I hope they have good performance and I believe they will be our main competitor in the group.
“Their number 10 (Zhang Xizhe) and number 39 (Piao Cheng) have improved a lot and they caused us lots of problems. It also seems that Ha Dae-sung had integrated into the team well and he threatened us a lot.”
Photo:AFP