Coach Pohang was disappointed because he was pressured by Hanoi FC at the beginning of the match

In the opening match of the AFC Champions League 2023-2024 at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi FC created three good opportunities at the beginning of the match, but missed. Despite predicting difficulties in the away match, Coach Kim was still not satisfied with the players.

"I'm disappointed that Pohang let Hanoi pressure," coach Kim Gi-dong said at the post-match press conference. "The players are not ready with the highest fighting spirit."

The game turned around when Pohang opened the scoring due to an own goal by home midfielder Damien Le Tallec in the 30th minute. Mr. Kim assessed this as the turning point of the match, and at the same time, was surprised when Hanoi FC quickly lost another three. goal, leaving Pohang leading 4-0 in the 49th minute.

Coach Kim said: "The opportunities the opponent missed were also a wake-up call, and my players were lucky to wake up in time to re-impose the game. We proved that Pohang is the stronger team." .

After leading 4-0, Pohang retreated deep to give the game to the home team, at one point allowing Joel Tagueu to score twice to shorten the score to 2-4. Coach Kim admitted that the team had lost focus but he did not criticize, instead choosing good points to praise the players. The 55-year-old coach's opinion is that praise helps players perform better in future matches.

Three points on the opening day helped Pohang Steelers lead Group J AFC Champions League. In the remaining match, defending champion Urawa Red Diamonds was held to a 2-2 draw by host Wuhan Three Towns.

Pohang also ended the first round of wins for Korean clubs. Previously, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors won 2-1 at Hong Kong Kitchee Club in Group F, Incheon United won 4-2 at Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos in Group G and Ulsan Hyundai won 3-1 at Thai Club BG Pathum United in Group F. table I.