Past is past for Pohang’s Park

AFC – ESFAHAN, Pohang Steelers coach Park Chang-hyun has called on his players to forget the turmoil of the year so far and prove their class as defending AFC Champions League champions in their quarter-final first-leg meeting with Iranians Zob Ahan at Foolad Shahr stadium on Wednesday.

Since their victory in November 2009, key players like Stevica Ristic, Denilson and captain Hwang Jae-won have left the club, while coach Waldemar Lemos was sacked just before their last 16 victory against Japan’s Kashima Antlers.

But Park says it is now time to draw a line beneath the upheaval and defend their crown.

“We have to show everyone why we became champions,” he said.

“We’ve changed our coach and at the moment we’re okay. I hope that these changes will see us gain better results.”

But the Koreans go into the match on the back of two defeats, one of them a 4-1 thrashing by FC Seoul.

Park believes the best way to arrest this form is to rely on home-grown players.

“I’ve only brought two Brazilians, Almir and Mota, to Esfahan,” he added.

“Our Koreans (players) have responded better and I’ve decided not to bring any other foreigners. But these (two) are very dangerous and will help us.”

Mota is the leading scorer in the competition with nine goals.

Park has no worries over injuries or suspensions but is concerned about the altitude of the central Iranian city.

While Pohang play at sea level, Esfahan is at an altitude of 1,500 metres which he admits could have an impact on the match.

“That’s why we came here six days ago, to acclimatise,” he said.

“But after yesterday’s training session, the players were very tired which I think is because of the altitude.”

On his tactics for the match, the 44-year-old suggested a wait-and-see strategy saying: “We normally play with a 4-3-3 formation, but I think I will have to change that.

“In the first half we have to play with caution so that in the second half we can play like we usually do and come away with something.

“We’ve watched videos of them in the ACL but it’s difficult to analyse them because the films are of last season.

“But we must not forget that there is still a second leg.”