Incheon meets ‘J-League 1 champion’ Yokohama, coach Cho Seong-hwan and Lee Myung-ju “We’ve waited a long time” [ACL]
Incheon United is about to hold its first ACL.
Incheon will play the first match of Group G of the 2023-24 ACL group stage against Yokohama F. Marinos at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan on the 19th.
This is the first ACL appearance since its founding. From the first time, I met a formidable opponent. Yokohama is the J-League 1 champion in the 2022 season. In addition, Nam Tae-hee, who knows Korean soccer well, also belongs. In many ways, this is a difficult first opponent for Incheon.소닉카지노
However, Incheon also had a difficult path to reach the ACL. Incheon, ranked 4th in the K League 1 in the 2022 season, defeated Hai Phong 3-1 in overtime in the ACL playoffs and advanced to the finals. This is a great achievement on the 20th anniversary of the club’s founding.
For Incheon, the result of their first match against Yokohama is important for advancing to the finals. As it is an away game, the disadvantage is great, but their potential cannot be ignored.
The following is the full interview with Incheon coach Cho Seong-hwan and Lee Myung-ju.
Q. How do you feel before the game?
Coach Cho Seong-hwan_ It is a meaningful ACL stage for the 20th anniversary of the club’s founding. We will do our best to bring joy and happiness to our fans.
Lee Myung-joo_ As coach said, we have been waiting for Incheon to play on the Asian stage for a long time. I’m glad I finally achieved it. I’m also looking forward to the stadium. I expect a good performance.
Q. This is the first ACL in Incheon history. What order did the coach give to the players?
Coach Cho Sung-hwan_ Some players have experienced ACL injuries and some have not. Since it was an international game, he ordered us to approach it with a challenging attitude. In addition to technical and physical strength, the mental aspect was also emphasized to the players. I ordered image training.
Q. Myungju Lee has ACL experience. What did he say to the team players?
Myungju Lee_ There are plenty of experienced players on the team and many players with good skills. We all talked about preparing well for training and staying calm and having fun and doing well in tomorrow’s game.
Q. What did you think of Yokohama’s performance? What is your evaluation of Nam Tae-hee?
Coach Seong-Hwan Cho_ This is the team that won the J1 League last year. I know that the rear build-up is an advantage. I think the basics and techniques are solid. I think they recruited Nam Tae-hee based on his strengths.
Lee Myung-joo _ The coach told me about the team. Let’s talk about Nam Tae-hee. He is a good player who showed good performance in his youth and has experience on the European and Asian stages. I think he is a key player in tomorrow’s game. I think we need to prepare well to block him.
Q. There were only two days of rest after the league game. What are your thoughts regarding player selection?
Coach Cho Seong-hwan_ Yokohama played a league game a day before Incheon. Conditions may not be good because it is an away trip, but I believe the players will endure well because they are mentally well-equipped. Regarding player selection, we are preparing to send out the players who are in the best condition and have the most experience.
Q. I know that many Incheon fans are coming, but the coach and Lee Myung-joo would like to send a message to encourage support (588 away fans in Incheon as of Sunday, September 17th).
Director Cho Seong-hwan_ I am always grateful. I feel a sense of responsibility when I think about the away support coming not only from the league but also from the ACL. We will prepare well so that fans can have an easy time returning to Incheon.
Myungju Lee_ Tomorrow, I think you will be able to see the power of Incheon cheering with your own eyes. Although they are tired because they played the game just two days ago, the Incheon players are well prepared to play today. I will prepare well to show a good performance in front of the away fans.
Q. Mugosa played in Japan. What story motivated you?
Director Cho Seong-hwan_ I didn’t order anything in particular. Since Mugosa was with the national team, it was just a situation where he could control his condition due to fatigue. Still, he has experienced the J-League for about a year, so if Mugosa plays, he is expected to be able to show his strength, his decision-making ability, in this game.
Q. What did Myung-ju Lee talk about with Tae-hee Nam?
Myung-joo Lee_ I have a close relationship with Tae-hee Nam, including on the national team, but I have not talked to him separately. Because tomorrow is an important game.
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