"I trust our team to play well" - Bucheon FC captain Rodrigo Bassani

Bucheon FC 1995 aren't done yet. Their remarkable season - which included a Korea Cup semi-final appearance - will go down to the final furlong. Lee Young-min's men are in the K League final round.

On an unseasonably warm November's day, Bucheon got the result they needed to face Suwon FC in the K League promotion/relegation playoffs. Suwon finished their regular K League 1 season in 10th spot, meaning a playoff over two legs against Bucheon FC. The first leg is this Thursday, December 4, at 19:00. The return, in Castle Park, will be on Sunday at 15:30.

After Sunday's draw, captain Rodrigo Bassani caught up with Andrew Farrell.

Andrew Farrell (AF): Congratulations, you're through to the play-offs next week against Suwon FC.

Rodrigo Bassani (RB): Thank you very much. We deserved to get here, we did a good job today and over the whole season. We are very happy to have made it to the play-offs against Suwon.

AF: Today you only needed a draw to go through to the next round, whereas Seongnam needed to win. How does that affect your preparation? Is it harder to prepare for that type of game? 

RB: We prepared in every way, together with our coach; how we would defend, how we would attack. We knew the game would be difficult, but I think we prepared in the best way.

AF: Was it nervous out there, in the last 10 minutes? Were you feeling worried about it? 

RB: Yes, the game was very exciting in the end, it's 0-0. If they had scored, it would have been difficult for us to get in it, but the game was exciting. I think the supporters were a little scared, but everything worked out and we are happy with that.

AF: Thoughts on Suwon FC? 

RB: I watched their last two games, I think they are in good shape. They have good players there, but we are also good, and we have good players here. I trust our team that we will play a good game against Suwon.

AF: Now you have to wait until Thursday before you play at home. So, home fans, again, it's always really helpful I'm sure. And two, Jeju have to play against Suwon Bluewings on Wednesday, but you guys have another day's rest. Is that going to be important? 

RB: Yes, it's very important for us. The longer we rest, the better Thursday's game will be. We will prepare well for Thursday's game and play well. 

AF: Are you fit and healthy? Your body feels good? 

RB: Yes, yes.

AF: You're not tired?

RB:  No, today I'm tired, but tomorrow will be better and we'll be ready for Thursday's game.

AF: It was a long season though, you're not thinking about the break yet?

RB: No, not yet. Everything is OK. I want to keep playing.

AF: Just one last question for you then, your fans made a lot of noise today. If you had a message for your fans, what would you like to say?

RB: I just want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. They've always supported us all season, always with us, supporting us. So I have to say thank you to them and keep supporting us in the next home game.