Pohang Steelers beat Shandong Taishan to continue their hopes of the ACLE tournament.
Pohang won 4-2 at home against Shandong in the fourth round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) East Asian League Stage at 7 p.m. on the 6th at Pohang Steelyard.
With this result, Pohang has elevated its ranking from 10th to 7th with two wins and two losses (six points). Despite its ups and downs, the team garnered consecutive wins despite its perfect performance in the two matches held at home, raising the mood.
“We met a difficult team called Shandong, and we showed the players what we wanted to do through offense and defense as we prepared today,” coach Park Tae-ha said after the game. “However, we regret that we lost points. We have to overcome these areas from now on. Still, today was a game that we could make our fans happy. We will do our best even though the season is just around the corner.”
Three mercenaries have shown strong performance in Pohang this year. Jorge, Wandelson, and Auverdan all scored to lead the team’s victory. “I feel great. But I think it was too late,” coach Park Tae-ha said with a smile. “I wondered what it would have been like from the beginning of the season.”
After the league schedule with Gimcheon Sangmu, it will be an A-match break. However, Pohang is scheduled to play the match against Gangwon FC (Wonjeong) on the 23rd, followed by Yokohama F. Marinos (Wonjeong) on the 27th, Ulsan HD and Korea Cup finals on the 30th, and Vissel Kobe (Home) on December 3rd. There are four games left every three to four days.
In response, Park Tae-ha said, “The remaining schedule is very tight. I think it will be important that there are no injured players. We will play well against Gimcheon and rest well during the break,” adding, “I think we will have to separate our teams for the match against Yokohama. The final match of the Korea Cup will be held immediately, so we will do our best to play well during the break.” 안전놀이터
There are three Japanese teams remaining against the ACLE in Pohang. “I don’t think I will be able to face the Japanese team in normal condition. I will still do my best. I want to do everything my team can,” Park Tae-ha said.
Pohang is suffering from injured players. Many fans say that they are holding on with their gums. Coach Park Tae-ha said, “I have a lot of worries. However, just thinking about it will not solve the problem. I will try to deal with it as wisely as possible and achieve my schedule. We have no choice but to do our best in the remaining games.”
Regarding the ACLE goal, he added, “The primary goal is to advance to the tournament. As you know, we cannot deal with the Japanese team in normal condition due to the tight schedule. We will do our best to recover the team.”