Ulsan’s mind on JDT, not on League-win celebrations

Engine room general: JDT defenders will have to keep a close watch on Ulsan Hyundai midfielder Valeri Qazaishvili when they clash in the AFC Champions League match today. — AFP

PETALING JAYA: Ulsan Hyundai have won the Korean League but the champagne is on ice as the South Korean giants are focused on beating their next opponents – Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

Ulsan had confirmed the Korean league title on Oct 29, with three more matches to go.

Coach Hong Myung-bo said celebrations had been put on on hold as they were focused on today’s match against JDT in the AFC Champions League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri. It’s their fourth Group 1 match.

Despite the success of beating the Southern Tigers 3-1 in the previous game and also retaining the domestic title they won last year, Myung-bo is not taking his team’s chances lightly.

Engine room general: JDT defenders will have to keep a close watch on Ulsan Hyundai midfielder Valeri Qazaishvili when they clash in the AFC Champions League match today. — AFP

“My boys know how important this game is. We have confirmed the K-League title but we are not celebrating yet. The boys have immediately shifted their focus to JDT,” he said.

“Yes, we won the previous game against JDT, but this time, the challenge will be different. We will be playing in a beautiful stadium and when it is packed, we know how the atmosphere can be. Last season, we played there twice, so we know.

“JDT will return stronger for sure but my boys will be prepared. Many say the weather could be a factor too, but there is summer in South Korea too. So, humidity and the environment are not an issue for us.”

The former South Korean captain wants his charges to focus on getting to the last 16 of the competition and knows that beating JDT would make that path easier for them.

They are currently second with six points in the group, and with another win, they just need a draw in the next game. Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale are top of Group 1 with nine points, while JDT are third in the group with three.

Meanwhile, striker Kim Ji-hyun said the team were also prepared psychologically to face JDT after losing to them twice (1-2) last year at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in the AFC Champions League.

“We just need to control the game from the start. We are aware of how passionate the fans will be at home but we are ready,” said Ji-hyun, who was the 2019 K-League Rookie of the Year.

“We are in a good form especially after confirming the league win (back at home).