Champs will show steel vows Pohang’s Park

AFC – POHANG, Pohang Steelers coach Park Chang-hyun is confident his side can overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Zob Ahan and reach the last four of the AFC Champions League.

Mahdi Rajabzadeh’s second-half penalty condemned the Koreans to a narrow defeat last week in Esfahan after Mota’s long-range strike had cancelled out Igor Castro’s opener.

However, Park expects the Iranians to try and protect their narrow advantage at the Steelyard and is convinced Pohang have the firepower to progress to the semi-finals.

“I found out that Zob Ahan tends to counter-attack in away games. That is what they do but we don’t have to care about their strategy too much,” said Park, pictured during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.

“We just have to focus on our game. Eventually we will bring them down with a lot of goals.”

The visitors will have Iran international Mohammad Reza Khalatbari back after missing the first game through suspension and Park believes the striker represents Zob Ahan’s main threat.

“I expect him to return, he will be a major attacking force for Zob Ahan even though he may be a little tired due to international duty. We have prepared well to face him,” he added.

While Pohang may be struggling domestically in the lower reaches of the K-League, they have mounted a sturdy defence of the continental crown they won in Tokyo last November and Park rebuffed suggestions that the club has been in decline in the interim period.

“That is wrong, we are just passing through a rough period,” he insisted.

“We are still strong and playing good football. Okay. I admit that we are still being affected by last year’s success but we are improving again.

The match will also be held on Chuseok, one of the biggest holidays in Korea.

“Despite that we are playing on a public holiday, Pohang fans will support us as they always do. We will celebrate Chuseok with goals and victory.”

Pohang defender Kim Hyung-il was equally confident they can achieve a positive result against Zob Ahan, where a 1-0 victory will be enough to see them through.

“From last week’s away game, we have gained more confidence. We will show this on the pitch,” he insisted.

“Our attacking ability is as good as Zob Ahan’s, we can win because of it. As a defender, I will try not to concede a goal.

“We will show what the champions can do tomorrow night.”