Football

Hà Nội FC players train at the Mỹ Đình Stadium on September 19. They will host Pohang Steelers in the AFC Champions League group stage match on September 20. — Photo of Hà Nội FC

HÀ 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 20 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 2022.

Pohang will enter the competition in fine form after a late surge in their domestic competition saw them narrow the gap with K League 1 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," said coach Kim Gi Dong of Pohang Steelers at a press conference on September 29 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 U23 team at the 19th 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," he said.

"Of course, Goh's absence would affect our ability a little but I believe that his teammates will do his job well. Tomorrow match will be difficult but if we can play Pohang football style, we will take three points home."

(From left to right) Pohang Steelers' forward Kim Seungdae and coach Kim Gi Dong, and Hà Nội FC's coach Bozidar Bandovic and forward Nguyễn Văn Quyết at the AFC Champions League press conference on September 19 in Hà Nội. — Photo of VFF

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," 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 90 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," 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." — VNS