The players are tired, don’t play at their best with HAGL

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors is the top team in Group H AFC Champions League after the first leg period. However, the Korean team could not keep this position after letting HAGL Draw in the match on the evening of April 25. This is a disappointing result for Jeonbuk.

“Our players did not reach their full potential in the draw with HAGL. They were tired due to the high density. I am really disappointed with the result. We have to forget this match to focus. Prepare for the remaining two important matches.”said Jeonbuk coach Kim Sang-sik.

The Korean team was the first to score. However, Van Toan’s equalizer in the second half helped HAGL regain a well-deserved point. A few days ago in the first leg, Jeonbuk had to rely on a goal in the second half of injury time to defeat the home team.

Video: HAGL 1-1 Jeonbuk

After 2 consecutive matches that saw the students struggling, coach Kim Sang-sik praised HAGL. He thought that HAGL was a strong opponent and Jeonbuk was wrong to let Cong Phuong and his teammates regain the game.

“We tried to exploit the space in HAGL’s defense and succeeded when we got the lead. However, then we played again and then we had to get the results we wanted.”the head coach of the Korean team commented.

“HAGL is a strong team, many good players. Many of their defensive players are also able to organize attacks well. We noticed this but the players made mistakes in some other issues. This is a match where HAGL has the support of the home audience, so they play very passionately.”

Drawn by HAGL with a score of 1-1, Jeonbuk temporarily lost the top of Group H to Yokohama F.Marinos (Japan).

Meanwhile, HAGL temporarily surpassed Sydney FC (Australia) to take third place (with 2 points but more than the sub-index). This is not a bad achievement for the team that has just returned to the Asian arena after many years of absence. According to coach Kiatisak, the first 3 matches of the group stage are just like the acquaintance sessions of HAGL.

After the match, coach Kiatisak expressed satisfaction with the performance of his students. “First of all, I would like to thank my students. They played very well in the second leg. I’m proud of my players for putting in the effort to play a game of dedication“, Kiatisak said.