“Shim Sang-min and Jung Jae-hee should have gained confidence.”
Pohang Steelers, led by head coach Kim Ki-dong, drew 1-1 with Incheon United in the first match of the 34th and final round of the 텍사스홀덤 Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 on Tuesday at Pohang Steelyard. With 59 points, Pohang remained in second place and narrowed the gap to eight points from leader Ulsan Hyundai (67 points).
After the game, Coach Kim said, “We tried an unusual offense, but it didn’t work. We made changes but conceded a goal due to a goalkeeping mistake. At halftime, we said we wanted to work on what we were good at, and we pushed forward in the second half. I think we should have done what we were good at from the beginning. It’s a shame we didn’t win because we had chances to win the game, but I’m glad we got (a goal) and at least got a point. If we had lost, our mood would have sagged, but I think we can go to Japan with a good feeling.”
“Jae-hee approached the game cautiously,” said Kim. He did well for a long time. I didn’t want to play Sang-min-yi, because it’s difficult on the left side because (Park) Seung-wook is not left-footed. So we talked about it and then I put him in. He must have gained confidence that he can do it. I think it’s a good thing for the team,” he said. “When I was asked who I was looking forward to before the game, I said to myself, ‘Jeong Jae-hee’. After he scored, I shouted, ‘Aha’. I also told Jae-hee. Jae-hee scored, but he was offside,” he added.
Forward Kim In-sung came on in the second half and was subbed off again. “I thought (Hong) Yoon-sang was better than In-sung when we were down,” Kim said. I had a perfect chance, but it didn’t go in,” Kim explained.
Pohang will travel to Japan on Nov. 22 to face Urawa Reds in the Asian Champions League (ACL) group stage. “It would have been more complicated if we lost,” Kim said. We need to stick to our plan,” Kim emphasized.