Post-match Press Conference & Mixed Zone Reaction: Incheon United 3-1 Hai Phong FC
Snippets from what was said by Incheon United players and their manager following the 3-1 AFC Champions League qualification playoff win over Hai Phong.
Incheon United picked up a 3-1 win over Vietnamese side Hai Phong in Tuesday's ACL qualifier. But they made hard work of it, having gone a goal down and needing extra time.
A close-ranger header from Cheon Seong-hoon drew Incheon level on 17 minutes, cancelling out Yuri Mamute's fifth-minute opener.
But Jo Sung-hwan's side didn't take the lead until the 100th minute. Hernandes marked his return from injury with a goal, Gerso credited with the assist.
Gerso then put the result beyond doubt in the 120th minute.
K League United heard from Jo, Stefan Mugosa, and Gerso Fernandes afterwards.
Jo Sung-hwan
"First of all, I'm really glad that, in the club's 20th anniversary year, we can celebrate that finally, officially we are in ACL now. I'm really glad that we kept the promise that we made, I'm especially glad that we have paid our fans back with this win.
"I think a lot of players in the squad had some pressure towards this big game and maybe things might have been hard for them, but also the fact that we conceded a goal early made us struggle throughout the game. But still, we overcame those struggles and we made it and I think from today's game we can learn a lesson.
"I really want to say a big congrats to our squad because it's a big event for this group. Especially, it's a big thing for the club and the fans. Since the boys gave a big present to the fans, I'm really proud of that. And once again, I want to really give a round of applause for the boys."
Gerso Fernandes
"It's [the] Champions League, so it's a new experience for a lot of players, and for me, in Asia, I played Champions League in American MLS, but never here so it's a natural pressure in all of us because we could make a story, we did make a story for the club. Before the game, we didn't know what would happen, so a lot of people were saying they were stronger, but we had to prove it on the field, and we did."
Stefan Mugoša
"When I come (back to Incheon) this was my first goal, to go in Group Stage of the Champions League. I know that this is very important for the club, first time in its history in its 20-year history and we had this opportunity to make this history. I really was motivated to win this game and I know all players are doing their best, especially this game in front of our fans. I know how much important this game means for the club and our fans. This kind of game, I love it - when it's so important game, this game when you are having responsibility to do something good. That makes me happy and more motivated to continue to work."
Where to Listen
Listen to the K League United Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Libsyn | TuneIn Radio
iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Libsyn | TuneIn Radio
No comments:
Post a Comment