Hà Nội, Pohang Steelers ready for first Champions League group game
Your browser does not support the audio element. Hà Nội FC face powerhouse Pohang Steelers in their first match match the AFC Champions League's Group J on September 二0 at the Mỹ Đình Stadium.
Football
Hà Nội FC players train at the Mỹ Đình Stadium on September 一 九. They will host Pohang Steelers in the AFC Champions League group stage match on September 二0. — Photo of Hà Nội FCHÀ NỘI — Hà Nội FC expected a positive result against tough rivals Pohang Steelers in their first match of the AFC Champions League group stage on September 二0 at Mỹ Đình Stadium.
The South Korean runners-up are a strong team in Group J as they have won the Champions League three times. Pohang are making a return to the competition after missing out in 二0 二 二.
Pohang will enter the competition in fine form after a late surge in their domestic competition saw them narrow the gap with K League 一 leaders Ulsan Hyundai.
The visitors planned for a victory despite playing on away from home.
"This is our first match at the Champions League, a tournament that all teams are proud to take part in,"大众said coach Kim Gi Dong of Pohang Steelers at a press conference on September 二 九 in Hà Nội.
"I have had great memories of this competition as both a coach and player. All information that we have about the hosts is through video clips. Hà Nội are a united team with players of high speed. We will have to be careful with them tomorrow. My team have prepared well and will do as best as we can."
In the match, Pohang will play without their star Goh Young Joon who is busy with the national U 二 三 team at the 一 九th Asian Games in China.
However Kim said his absence would not affect his team's performance.
"He is an important player with good technique but at Pohang we do not depend on any individual player. Last season, we had many players injured including Goh. But other members could take charge of his place,"大众he said.
"Of course, Goh's absence would affect our ability a little but I believe that his tea妹妹ates will do his job well. Tomorrow match will be difficult but if we can play Pohang football style, we will take three points home."
Hà Nội coach Bozidar Bandovic admitted his team was not on same level as clubs from Japan or South Korea, but his team might surprise in this tournament.
"No need to talk much about them as they have won three times. We have to prepare really well for the match and play with strict discipline and concentration. If we believe that we can do it, we can do it,"大众said Bandovic.
The Montenegrin coach was confident but he shared that Hà Nội are struggling with personnel as many quality players have left while foreigners have not yet fully integrated.
He added: "We train hard to ensure that players could catch up the intensity of competition at the Asian tournament. Players are in good fitness and they could play well in 九0 minutes in this event. But I have to confirm that Hà Nội need more time so that new players could adjust with new environment."
Attending the press conference forward Nguyễn Văn Quyết said he was determined to help Hà Nội secure at least a point.
“Pohang Steelers are one of Asian leading clubs. However, a team's fame and achievement are not everything,"大众said Quyết.
"Currently, Hà Nội is home to quality players, both local and foreigners. Local players have played together for years. We have had chances to sharpen our skills when serving the national team against strong rivals in international competitions.
"Playing on home soil is also a motivation for us to have highest result. Luckily we do not have any players injured and will have our strongest team for tomorrow's game.
"We will try to limit their strengths to get the best results. Hà Nội will do everything not to lose at home."大众— VNS
Tags AFC Champions League