Coach Cho Seong-hwan Reflects on Incheon United’s Historic Win in AFC Champions League Opener

Incheon United Coach Celebrates Historic Victory in AFC Champions League

Reporter Kang Dong-hoon | [골닷컴]

Incheon United coach, Cho Seong-hwan, expressed his elation after a remarkable 4-2 victory in the first leg away match of Group G in the 2023-2024 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) season against Yokohama Marinos (Japan). The highly anticipated match took place at the prestigious International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan on the 19th of this month.

This milestone victory makes it the first time that Incheon United has advanced to the ACL stage since its inception, showcasing their remarkable determination and perseverance right from the start. Despite facing the reigning J1 champions, Yokohama, Incheon United successfully maintained a tight balance throughout the game, securing the win with a series of goals from Hernández, one goal from Gerso, and a fortunate own goal.

Coach Cho expressed his pride and appreciation for this significant triumph during the first ACL finals, stating, “To achieve a resounding victory in the introductory stage of the ACL holds immense importance. I am overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude for the support of Incheon fans who traveled to cheer us on. Bringing joy and happiness to our loyal followers as a coach is an indescribable feeling.”

He further emphasized the meticulous analysis and strategic preparation conducted in consultation with his coaching staff, noting the recent shortcomings of Yokohama Marinos and the desire to showcase the exceptional play style of Incheon United’s players, renowned in the K-League. This comprehensive approach to the match proved to be effective, validating Coach Cho’s astute observations.

Hernández, a substitute during the game, played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory, scoring multiple goals. Shedding light on the team’s winning strategy, Coach Cho explained, “We capitalized on counterattacks and exploited the spaces behind Yokohama’s defense to secure an early lead. Our relentless spirit and unwavering determination inspired us to continue seeking goals. By utilizing players with pace and exceptional individual skills, including Hernández, in the second half, we strategically countered Yokohama’s game plan.”

Looking ahead, Coach Cho emphasized the significance of today’s triumph, stating, “This victory is an integral part of our ongoing pursuit of our season’s goals set in the K-League, ACL, and FA Cup. The team will soon face Gangwon FC in the K League, where today’s away win will undoubtedly serve as a source of motivation, helping us overcome any fatigue. We are committed to diligently prepare for the remaining ACL group stage matches and achieve exceptional results.”

[골닷컴] Reporter Kang Dong-hoon = “I think it is very meaningful to have achieved a big win at the first ACL stage since its establishment.”

Incheon United coach Cho Seong-hwan scored 4-2 in the first leg away match of Group G of the 2023-2024 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) season against Yokohama Marinos (Japan) held at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan on the afternoon of the 19. He said this in an official press conference immediately after winning.

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On this day, Incheon advanced to the ACL stage for the first time since its inception and made a desperate effort from the first game. It was not easy to meet last season’s defending J1 champion Yokohama, but after maintaining a tight balance, they won with several goals from Hernández, one goal from Gerso, and a lucky goal of his own.

Amidst the victory in the first ACL finals, Coach Cho said, “I think it is very meaningful to achieve a big victory in the first ACL stage since its establishment. I am very happy that I was able to overcome the pressure thanks to the many Incheon fans who came to visit and cheer me on. “More than anything, I am very happy as a coach to be able to bring joy and happiness to the fans,” he said, expressing his joy in the victory.

He said, “I saw that Yokohama Marinos failed to secure results in the last few games, and we wanted to showcase the play that our players are good at in the K-League. “I believe the Incheon analysis and careful preparation under consultation with the coaching staff was effective,” he said.

Hernández, who came on as a substitute that day, led the way to victory by scoring several goals. Coach Cho said, “We scored in the first half by using counter attacks and space behind the defense. In the lead, he continued to score chase goals. However, the players seem to have won with an unwavering spirit,” he said, explaining the background to his input, saying, “I wanted to use players with pace and individual play in the second half to counter-attack, so I offered players including Hernández.”

Finally, Coach Cho said, “Today’s game is part of the process of continuing the goals set at the beginning of the season (K League, ACL, FA Cup). “Today’s victory has a tremendous meaning,” he said . “We will soon be away to Gangwon FC in the 1 K League. Although today’s win is away, I think it can be a balm that will help us recover quickly from fatigue. “I will do my best prepare for the ACL group stage remaining until the end and achieve good results,” he promised.

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