AFC Champions League Elite
Gangwon should have been the more disappointed as they failed to capitalise on home ground advantage but Chung, in praising his side’s performance, promised an improved showing in next week’s return leg.
#ACLElite | R16 1st Leg: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-0 FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)
“We faced physical challenges and recovery issues due to a tight schedule, but I think the players did very well against Machida, who topped the league stage,” said Chung. “They were the highest-scoring team in the League Stage, so we prepared a tailored approach.
“Defensively, we were solid, handled their tall striker well. Tactically, I felt there were no major issues in our response. In the end, however, we were still lacking in finishing. That remains an area we must improve.
“Reaching the Round of 16 is already a significant achievement for Gangwon. We are a team that thrives on challenge and pushing for a place in the quarter-finals is part of our journey.”
“Defensively, we were solid, handled their tall striker well. Tactically, I felt there were no major issues in our response. In the end, however, we were still lacking in finishing. That remains an area we must improve.
“Reaching the Round of 16 is already a significant achievement for Gangwon. We are a team that thrives on challenge and pushing for a place in the quarter-finals is part of our journey.”
Machida head coach Kuroda admitted his side struggled to deal with Gangwon’s intensity and stressed on the importance of staying focused for the return leg.
“We expected strong pressure and intensity from Gangwon and we certainly felt it,” said Kuroda. “In response, we pushed our players to match and exceed that energy. While an away win would have been ideal, securing a goalless draw is not a negative result and gives us a clear direction heading into the next match.
“We expected strong pressure and intensity from Gangwon and we certainly felt it,” said Kuroda. “In response, we pushed our players to match and exceed that energy. While an away win would have been ideal, securing a goalless draw is not a negative result and gives us a clear direction heading into the next match.
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“We created chances but need to be more clinical in front of goal. At the same time, our goalkeeper made an important save that kept us level. Both aspects are part of the game, but improving our finishing will be key.
“Now we take the tie back home, which we see positively. We want to raise our quality further and approach the home leg as a new challenge, fully focused on getting the win.”
“Now we take the tie back home, which we see positively. We want to raise our quality further and approach the home leg as a new challenge, fully focused on getting the win.”
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