Pohang: Coach Choi Jin-cheul has backed Pohang Steelers to build on last week’s encouraging goalless draw against defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande in Wednesday’s meeting with Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in Group H of the AFC Champions League at The Steelyard.
The K-League Classic side held 2015 winners Guangzhou from China to a stalemate in last week’s Group H opener despite the new domestic season not beginning for Pohang until 12 March.
Urawa, meanwhile, began their new domestic season with a 2-1 win at Kashiwa Reysol in the J.League on Saturday having beaten Australia’s Sydney FC 2-0 at home last week in Group H.
“The players' self-belief increased after the result at Guangzhou,” said Pohang coach Choi (pictured).
“We will prepare for the Urawa game with that confidence and try and get the right result.”
And after defending solidly in China, Pohang will look to make use of home advantage against Urawa, although former Korea Republic international Choi refused to confirm whether the three-time continental champions will start with two strikers against the J.League side.
“That is something I have to think about, there is a difference between playing away and at home and we will see that,” he added.
“Urawa are a very good team. Technically they are very good, pass the ball well and have good organisation too. We will have to be at our best but this is a good test for us.”
Urawa, the 2007 winners, opened their fifth AFC Champions League campaign with victory over Sydney thanks to goals from Yuki Muto and Shinzo Koroki at Saitama Stadium 2002 last week.
And Muto was also on target before providing the assist for Zlatan Ljubijankic’s late winner on Saturday as Urawa recorded an away win over Kashiwa.
“We saw what Pohang are made of when they drew 0-0 at Guangzhou Evergrande,” said Urawa coach Mihailo Petrovic.
“We respect them, but we are looking forward to the game and if we can keep our concentration then we can get a good result.
“I don't know much about how they play. We saw the game with Guangzhou and it was end-to-end. We play well against teams that like to pass the ball and so we can look forward to the game with confidence.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com