AFC Champions League
Fielding three new signings in Kim Min-woo, Ko Seung-beom and Hwang Seok-ho in his starting line-up, Hong’s gamble paid off handsomely as the two-time AFC Champions League winners look well placed for a fifth appearance in the quarter-finals of the continental showpiece.
Hong was also delighted for Joo Min-kyu, who scored twice before the break at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium and is hopeful the 33-year-old forward will enjoy a big season.
#ACL - R16 | East Zone | Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR) 3 - 0 Ventforet Kofu (JPN)
“This is our first game in 2024 and like most teams, we did not have the perfect preparations but everyone tried to give their best,” said Hong. “Some players were playing together for the first time but did well.
“In the first half, we took around 15 minutes to get our rhythm but the goals really did only come after we made a tactical switch and were able to find our way through a tough defence.
“Min-kyu did not play much before because he was in rotation with other players but despite that, he was our top scorer last year and I think his condition is much better now.
“I believe he can keep scoring and keep getting good chances in the future but of course, it won’t be easy.”
A third goal from full-back Seol Young-woo confirmed the emphatic win for the Korea Republic champions and left AFC Champions League debutants Ventforet with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
However, head coach Yoshiyuki Shinoda believes that the tie is not completely over despite the margin of defeat and the reverse fixture at Japan National Stadium on February 21 could still turn in their favour.
“It was a big challenge, we knew that. At some moments, we matched them evenly but they have really quality players,” said Shinoda.
“Like I told the players, we need to accept this result and learn what we did in this game, go back and improve. We cannot give up, we still have the home game.
“Overall, I’m still satisfied with the performance, especially some moments when we controlled the game but at the end of the day, we came up against an exceptional opponent.”
The winners will face the victors of the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors-Pohang Steelers Round of 16 tie in the quarter-finals.
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