Review: Ulsan Hyundai Run Riot Against Daegu FC With 4-0 Win

Ulsan Hyundai on Saturday displayed the best performance of the season at home with a 4-0 win over Daegu FC in Round 28 of the Hana 1Q K League 1 season, and continue their journey for the league title. K League United's Daegu FC correspondent Muyeol Jung reviews the game and reports what both managers and Adam Martin had to say after the game at Ulsan Munsu Stadium.

What happened?

It was wide open from the beginning of the first half with Amano Jun forcing a fine save from Daegu goalkeeper Oh Seunghoon in the first minute. Afterwards, both sides exchanged a couple of chances. The deadlock was broken on 28 minutes when Ádám Martin scored his first K League goal, firing in a spot kick. Before half time, the Hungarian held the ball well inside the box and fed it to Japanese midfielder Amano Jun who made no mistake and made it 2-0 for the hosts.

The second half was played out in a the similar fashion. On 50 minutes, Kim Taewhan found Valeri Qazaishvili near the post who met Kim's cross with a fine header. The visitors put a lot of effort into the game but their chances were either denied by South Korea international Jo Hyeonwoo or off target. In stoppage time of the second half, substitute Leonardo added the fourth and finalised the game in style.

Post match interview

Daegu FC manager Alexandre Gama

Q: How did you find the game?

A: I am disappointed with today's result and confidence levels in the squad are very low. Ulsan played really well and completely took control of the game and scored four. I have little to comment on the game.

Q: What do you think the reasons are behind Daegu's abysmal form?

A: Well, I contracted COVID right after the FC Seoul away game and wasn't able to lead a training session for about 10 days. Then the league resumed, and I got sent off in the Suwon Bluewing's game and came back to the touchline today. I can't single out the exact reason for it. I am trying to understand our players, but it feels like they have lost confidence and are under huge pressure at the moment.

Q: Then how can you increase confidence levels in the squad? Any ideas on how to improve them?

A: In order to get our confidence back, we need to get a good result. We are heading over to Japan for the ACL and I think our current situation is quite similar to what was like to heading over to Thailand for the group stage of ACL. In Japan where we will have to stay all together throughout the whole time, we can use those times to talk to each other and iron out our problems. I hope we can come back stronger.

Ulsan Hyundai manager Hong Myungbo

Q: How did you find the game?

A: I am very pleased that we won the game with lots of goals scored. Prior to the game, I spoke to our boys about how important today's game was going to be. Of course, all players on the pitch did a great job, but all players in the squad played their part in this emphatic win by preparing well in a training.

Q: What do you think of Ádám Martin's performance today?

A: We really need to capitalise on what he is capable of on the pitch and thus, we need time to get to know each other. We prepared well and didn't rush and he created some brilliant chances. I believe he can provide us with a different option and he will be a boost for our attack.

Q: How do you assess the overall performance?

A: We went through lots of bad and good experiences in the first half of the season such as having difficulty in holding onto a lead until the last minute. So, in the second half we were particularly wary of this and tried to stay alert so as not to lose our lead. In the past, we played similar football to what we did today but were not always successful by failing to score. However, today's game was almost perfect as we prepared and went according to plan.

Man of the Match: Ádám Martin (Ulsan Hyundai)

Q: How confident were you when you stepped up for a penalty kick?

A: I am happy to score my debut goal today. I was confident because I scored many goals from the spot kick in my career. I am happy with my goal and this is very important for me because scoring the first goal is important to any player who moves to a new team.