It is a bitter result in many ways.
The Pohang Steelers, who had been on the road to Buriram in Thailand, returned after suffering a bitter defeat. The away process itself was difficult, and in fact, he was lethargic even though he put forward his best efforts. The plan to turn the mood around recently was also completely twisted. Considering the recent trend and future schedule, a season could end up being the worst.
Pohang, led by head coach Park Tae-ha, lost 0-1 to Buriram United in the third round of the 2024-25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite (ACLE) League Stage at Chang Arena in Buriram, Thailand on the 22nd (Korea time). With one win and two losses (three points), it failed to enter the top eight, which is a place to advance to the round of 16.
The away game was rough as well. After arriving in Bangkok, Thailand, the team moved by car for about six hours and headed for Buriram. The team has thus made a stable choice over domestic flights, which are highly likely to be canceled. “I have never experienced a game in which I can take a day off in a car for six hours,” coach Park Tae-ha said.
Concerns have become a reality. Pohang looked tired of time. The team lost concentration at the gate and spent a lot of time in the back even after the first goal was conceded. The team even had bad luck when Auberdan’s header hit the post at the last minute. Coach Park Tae-ha also said, “The game clearly showed a decrease in concentration due to a decrease in physical strength.”
The defeat is more painful because Pohang put forward best members such as Auverdan and Wandelson, not the rotation. In addition to failing to arrange the physical strength of the main players, they did not even get a point.
The aftermath of Buriram’s away defeat could continue for a long time. On the 27th, Pohang will play Ulsan HD in the East Coast Derby. 스포츠토토 It has to play a rival match in a situation where not only the power is inferior but also the burden of physical strength is high. Pohang will inevitably falter further if it fails to catch this game.
If the slump at the end of the season is prolonged amid a flurry of players already injured, including Ahn Jae-joon, the success or failure of the season could lead to the worst outcome. Pohang, which is competing to advance to the ACLE from 2025 to 26, is aiming to win the Korea Cup and further advance to the round of 16 teams in the ACLE. However, with its recent performance and trends, it may be over the top.
Coach Park Tae-ha is also sighing deeply. “The first thing to do is not to get stressed out. Stress does not mean that a solution comes out,” Park said. “I think we need to quickly forget defeat and recover as soon as possible to change the mood.”