Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: Coach Choi Yong-soo is hoping his FC Seoul side bounce back from poor domestic form against Guangzhou Evergrande in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday and take a major step towards the knockout stage.
As well as being a rematch of the 2013 continental final, won on away goals by the Chinese Super League outfit, the Group H clash at Seoul World Cup Stadium offers a swift chance for the hosts to put the worst result in Choi's three years at the club behind them.
On Saturday, Seoul were thrashed 5-1 by their biggest domestic rivals Suwon Samsung to languish in ninth place in the K-League Classic in a game Choi described as a 'nightmare'.
“I would be lying if I said there were no aftereffects from the game with Suwon,” said coach Choi. “The league and the AFC Champions League are different and we approach them differently.
“Guangzhou are a strong team but we have to compete, and we have a strong will to do so, and get the win that can make a big difference.”
For the visiting leaders, a point will be enough to secure a last 16 spot, while FC Seoul share second place with defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers who host bottom team Kashima Antlers of Japan in Tuesday’s earlier game.
“Guangzhou are a very good team with a strong bunch of players but if we have confidence and keep our concentration there we can get the win,” added Choi.
“Their attackers are excellent and there is a good overall balance between defence and attack. The individual talent of the players can determine the result but whichever team has the spirit can get a good result.
“There are a lot of games at the moment and it is not easy but we are ready for tomorrow's game.” Seoul will be without 2015 AFC Asian Cup star Cha Du-ri who picked up an injury in the loss to Suwon.
Guangzhou, meanwhile, will also have absences in the suspended duo of Huang Bowen and Zou Zheng as well as injured Brazilian striker Alan but coach Fabio Cannavaro will not be satisfied with anything less than victory in the Korean capital.
“We know that one point will see us progress but we have not come here to draw,” said the 2006 World Cup winning captain. “We aim to take all three points.
“Seoul are a good team that has lots of experience in this tournament and they are well-motivated to win. We know it will not be easy but we are ready for the game.”
Photo: WSG