 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
Gwangju FC coach Lee Jung-hyo won three consecutive games in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE), Asia's best stage, but his face looked full of dissatisfaction rather than smiles. Why.
Gwangju won 3-1 against Johor at 7 p.m. on the 22nd in the third round of the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) group stage of the 2024-2025 season at Yongin Mir Stadium in Neutral Stadium, thanks to Asani's two goals and one assist and Johor defender Park Joon-hyung's own goal.
Earlier, Yokohama F in Japan.Gwangju, which won 7-3 and 1-0 against Marinos and Kawasaki Frontale, respectively, won all three games and maintained its lead with nine points. Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Gwangju are the only teams that have won all three games in East and West Asia. Given that it will be the first time for the Asian stage this year, it is a remarkable achievement.
However, Lee entered the press conference room after the game and mentioned the disappointing part before the good part. "I don't think today's performance came out as much as the players worked hard and prepared. There were no build-ups, side plays, and conversion plays, and I decided to make a lot of 'free' for Asani, but I'm sorry that it wasn't connected.
Lee said, `I don't think the players have been loose since 2-0. To be honest, the players are squeezing. (To Yongin) It is far away and I have a K-League schedule. Considering the physical strength (consumption) of doing it in Yongin without being able to do it in Gwangju even though it's home, I always tell them to focus on the process, but I'm sorry for the part I tried to keep after 2-0."
 |
| Director Lee Jung-hyo of Gwangju-Johor match on the 22nd.Photo courtesy = Korea Professional Football Federation |
|
 |
| The match between Gwangju and Johor on the 22nd. Photo courtesy = Korea Professional Football Federation |
|
In the words of coach Lee, as for the reason why he screamed like a madman "We play soccer that we make through build-up. I don't know if it's a physical problem, but I was going to play mainly on long balls. He explained, "I'm asking you to play soccer, not long ball."
Gwangju clearly dominated the lead with Asani's quick multi-goal six minutes into the game. Asani scored the first goal in the third minute of the first half with a left-footed curl shot that stabbed the left corner of the goal from the right diagonal point in the penalty box. Three minutes later, he took the ball directly from the opponent's defender with strong pressure near the half-line, ran to the near the box, and then scored an additional goal with a calm left-footed shot. Asani, who scored a hat trick in the match against Yokohama and the winning goal in the match against Kawasaki, showed off his "post-Asian performance" by scoring goals in three consecutive games (a total of six goals).
Asani said "Every game is important. We tried to show good quality. Coach Lee always says, `You should enjoy the game.' I think the results came out because the players focused and showed their skills. I'm going to take a day off tomorrow, but I think we can all rest happily with a smile."
Asani, who is leading the scoring, said "I will be equally happy whether I score a goal or my team member scores a goal. I'm greedy (to be the top scorer), but the priority is to help the team. I would be satisfied if I could contribute to the team win in any way. I am satisfied with the fact that I have already shown Gwangju's skills to other teams."
 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
Gwangju shook relentlessly before and after allowing Baharuddin to score a chase goal with a header in the 28th minute of the first half. As coach Lee mentioned, Gwangju's unique soccer color was not implemented on the field. However, he won a two-goal victory in the 43rd minute of the second half thanks to Park Joon-hyung's own goal by Asani's cross.
Gwangju will be able to play the 35th round of the K League 1 against Incheon on the weekend. Currently in seventh place, Lee, who is aiming to remain stable, said, `The answer to focus on the team is simple. Considering which players are physically and mentally ready, we can clearly plan for them."
Due to the grass condition of Gwangju World Cup Stadium, his home stadium, Gwangju moved to Yongin Mir Stadium, 250 kilometers away from Gwangju, and suffered a happening to play the ACLE home game. Director Lee, who complained strongly at the pre-press conference on the 21st, "'There is no place worse on grass than Gwangju.'" It rained, but the drainage was well-equipped. I think I took good care of the lawn. You can feel your affection for grass. I want to say thank you to the person who took care of it."
Asani also expressed satisfaction, saying, `Thanks to the grass, the team members also played while enjoying the game.'
 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
Meanwhile, Johor's coach Héctor Vidoglio "Today was a very difficult game. The opponent attacked easily, but we didn't lose our way. I tried to keep the ball connected in the opponent's side, and I tried to connect it to the goal with a side attack," he said.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
