"Super Match might be perfect game for us": Osmar Interview

FC Seoul star Osmar Ibáñez Barba is set to feature in a Super Match for the 24th time this Saturday when hosting rivals Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Round 19 of the Hana 1Q K League 1 season. The Spaniard does so having lost in this fixture just four times and so will be one of FC Seoul's key players in trying to secure a first win in nine outings.

After the 0-0 draw with Gangwon last time out, FC Seoul turn their attention to the Super Match this Saturday, a huge clash between two fierce rivals. But, despite the two teams' contrasting fortunes of late, it could be the perfect match for FC Seoul to kick start their season, says Osmar:

"With 12 teams (in K League 1) you face every team three or four times. All the teams are competitive; they run, the fight. There is no easy game. This game (Super Match), spices things up. But looking at the situation on the bright side, it might be the perfect game for us to turn the other direction, to start winning again, create a good atmosphere again, have confidence again. So it might be even a good time."

Osmar and Ki Sung-yueng celebrate a goal in the first Super Match of 2021

Park Chu-young, meanwhile, a veteran in his 16th season as a professional, made his return from injury in the draw with Gangwon. Osmar believes that Park's timing could not have been any better given his recent goal-scoring exploits in the Super Match:

"He's a big player, he's a big name, he's a veteran and veteran players are respected in Korea especially. So we need we need players like him on the pitch. And we can earn some extra respect from the opponent, because of his quality and his experience. So, of course, this is really good news that he's back. And we have to help him, try to make a good balance. 

Park Chu-young celebrates scoring a late equaliser against Suwon in 2019

"I think he likes these kind of games. Usually he faces these kind of games a bit different because he knows how to play against the Korean defenders. And he knows in these important games, they will come at him stronger. But he doesn't hide, you know, he doesn't mind. He knows this, he's ready for this. So he will be in situations where he has to use his body even more than his feet, probably. Because there will be a lot of contact but he's good at doing that. So the rest of us who are beside him, or behind, we will have to be ready and help him and and trust that he's going to get these duels on our side."

Full interview available on KLeague.com

Full Super Match Preview: here