AFC Champions League Elite
After successive J.League defeats, Kashima returned to winning ways with Ryuta Koike breaking the deadlock in the 69th minute before Aleksandar Cavric and Matheus Bueno sealed the victory.
#ACLElite | Kashima Antlers (JPN) 3-0 FC Pohang Steelers (KOR)
Oniki was particularly pleased with how his side maintained their composure, with the result taking them onto nine points alongside fellow Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
“Having suffered consecutive defeats in the J.League, we came into today’s match determined to reset mentally. With our ambition to win the AFC Champions League Elite, we knew this was a very important game in terms of progressing from the League Stage,” said Oniki.
“The first half was difficult and quite evenly balanced, but everyone remained patient. The players who came off the bench also made a real contribution, so this was truly a victory for the whole team. We now want to carry this momentum into the J.League.”
“Having suffered consecutive defeats in the J.League, we came into today’s match determined to reset mentally. With our ambition to win the AFC Champions League Elite, we knew this was a very important game in terms of progressing from the League Stage,” said Oniki.
“The first half was difficult and quite evenly balanced, but everyone remained patient. The players who came off the bench also made a real contribution, so this was truly a victory for the whole team. We now want to carry this momentum into the J.League.”
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
The victory was also a reward for a squad which has been stretched by injuries with Oniki backing those called upon to fill the gaps.
“We have a lot of injured players, which makes things difficult. But we’ve continued to put our faith in the players stepping in, and we’ll keep doing that.”
“We have a lot of injured players, which makes things difficult. But we’ve continued to put our faith in the players stepping in, and we’ll keep doing that.”
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
Pohang head coach Park Tae-ha, meanwhile, lamented his side’s failure to capitalise on their counter-attacking opportunities as they were left waiting for their first point.
“We prepared with a strategy of defending deep and hitting them on the counterattack. I think things went according to plan until we conceded the first goal.
“We had some opportunities to counterattack in the second half, but we failed to make the most of them. Ultimately, we were comprehensively beaten, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.”
“We prepared with a strategy of defending deep and hitting them on the counterattack. I think things went according to plan until we conceded the first goal.
“We had some opportunities to counterattack in the second half, but we failed to make the most of them. Ultimately, we were comprehensively beaten, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.”
Related News
- AFC Champions League Elite
Skibbe: Kobe were lucky against Daejeon
- AFC Champions League Elite
We showed our character, says Kyoto’s Elias
- AFC Champions League Elite
Munoz’s tinkering pays off for JDT
- AFC Champions League Elite
Polking proud of Ha Noi’s desire to win
- AFC Champions League Elite
Worrawoot urges Ratchaburi to improve; Rodriguez rues missed chances
Item 1 of 5