Preview – Group H: Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) v Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR)
Attacking midfielder Kim Bo-kyung is braced for another tough 90 minutes when his Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors side play Hoang Anh Gia Lai in Group H of the AFC Champions League™ 2022 on Sunday.
25/04/2022 09:10:07
The Korea Republic champions needed a goal in stoppage time for a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture against the Vietnamese side on Friday, a result which maintained Jeonbuk as the Group H leaders on seven points. HAGL, meanwhile, are one point.
Kiatisuk Senamuang’s side have – despite two defeats and a draw – impressed with their attacking style and Kim said two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk have to be well prepared for HAGL.
“We have seen that most of the Southeast Asian teams are doing well in the AFC Champions League.
“We know HAGL will play with a high tempo again, especially with their fans backing them. We must be well prepared for them if we want the three points,” said Kim.
On a personal level, Kim said he was determined to play a more prominent role in the rematch with HAGL.
“Having watched the first match, I know now that there are certain things I would have done differently.
“One is surely exploiting the spaces that HAGL give us. If we do that, I am sure we will get another three points.”
A win on Sunday will take Jeonbuk to 10 points, with head coach Kim Sang-sik expressing his satisfaction with his team’s points haul after three matches.
“We are exactly where we want to be – at the top of the table – and with focus and proper preparation, I am confident of our chances in the next three matches.
“We now have an understanding of all our three opponents and we are better equipped to play them,” said the head coach.
Kim paid tribute to HAGL, admitting the home side had given his Jeonbuk players a tough test on Friday.
“I expect the same tomorrow. They play at a very high intensity and will – thanks to their fans – attack till the very last second.
“We will prepare for this approach accordingly, which will include increasing our attempts as we have not been scoring enough so far,” said Kim, with Jeonbuk having two 1-0 wins and a goalless draw so far.
HAGL midfielder Vu Van Thanh is counting on familiarity to power his team to what would be a huge victory before their fans.
“We know Jeonbuk, as well as the other teams, better now and I am confident we can achieve better results. The players are focused on this and we have been preparing well,” said Van Thanh.
For head coach Kiatisuk, the reverse fixtures are another chance for his players to showcase their potential.
“We are in a group of death and most fans thought we would not be able to match three of Asia’s biggest teams.
“I believe we have proved ourselves in each of the last three matches and now, it is about trying to get more points,” said Kiatisuk.
HAGL opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos and held Sydney FC 1-1 before the last minute defeat to Jeonbuk.
This was achieved with the bare rotation of players and Kiatisuk said it would be the same on Sunday.
“Our focus is on performing well and winning points. For that, we need the best players. There might be some rotation but the target is winning points.”
Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) v Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR)
Venue: Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh
Kick-off: 21:00 (UTC+7)
Source: AFC
