“We’ll play a good game for the fans who are coming a long way.”
Gwangju FC striker Heo Yul (23) vowed to play exciting soccer.
Heo Yul, who met with the Dong-A Ilbo at Mir Stadium in Yongin on the 21st, said, “I feel uncomfortable (for fans to come), but I think it’s a reward to show good performance while thinking about the fans who come a long way,” adding, “It’s a home game like an away game, but we’ll try to make it fun and exciting with good performance.”
Gwangju will play the third leg of the 2024-25 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) League Stage at Mir Stadium at 7 p.m. on the 22nd. Originally, the game was scheduled to be held at Gwangju World Cup Stadium, the home of Gwangju, but due to poor grass conditions at the stadium, the home game will be played at Mir Stadium.
Gwangju City, which played the 34th round of the K League 1 Final B against Daegu FC on the 18th, moved to Yongin City on the 20th. It was a long five-hour bus ride. Heo Yul said, “I think I’m a little tired because I’ve come a long way, but I rested well. I think I’ve rearranged it well. The grass and ground conditions are good, so I think I’ll be able to have a lot of fun tomorrow.”
Gwangju, which belongs to the K League 1 Final B (lower six teams) this season, is making a splash in ACLE for the first time since its foundation. Gwangju beat the Japanese teams Yokohama F. Marinos and Kawasaki Frontale in succession in the first and second league stages. 토토사이트
Heo Yul said, “I think (the secret) is confidence. We’re doing well enough in the league, and there’s no rule that we can’t do well on the international stage. I think the results came along because we played what we prepared with confidence.”
For Heo Yul, a Gwangju Youth native, ACLE was a “dream stage.” “I played in the second game, but the atmosphere on the field is different and the scale is amazing. I feel proud of myself to play in the international stage, and I prepare with a sense of mission,” he said.
Striker Heo Yul has changed his position to center back for this season. Since late last month, he has moved back to the front line. “After experiencing defense, I saw a play that I had never seen before, and I thought a lot that I would be able to be more challenging or bold in certain situations. As I have recognized that, I have been able to perform better than before,” Heo said.