Absence Of Two Key Players Weakens Ulsan HD - Pan Gon

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The absence of two main players due to injuries affected the plans of Korean K1 League champions Ulsan HD FC to put up their best line-up against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), last night.

According to Ulsan HD head coach, Kim Pan Gon, this is one of the reasons why his team lost to JDT in the fourth match of the 2024/25 Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE), at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, here.

He said that his players had to go through a very difficult match as his two key players, Lee Myeong Jae and Ko Seung Beom could not join their teammates to battle JDT.

"I am aware of the quality possessed by JDT, they have many quality and capable players, at the same time their absence (two players) had a big impact on the team's planning.

"We also struggled to get the right pace as early as the first minute of the game and it seemed to be getting harder after Arif Aiman ​​scored," he said in a press conference after the match.

The former Harimau Malaya coach explained that most of the Ulsan HD players were also seen 'tired' as they had to go through a rather busy schedule in the domestic league, and only had five days to meet JDT.

"After this Ulsan HD must improve their performance to face the remaining ACLE rivals to get best results. Our entire team apologises to all the fans,” he said.

Meanwhile, JDT head coach , Hector Bidoglio praised his players, who managed to maintain their non-stop attack in the game. 

"JDT have their philosophy. JDT like to play in the opponent's ground. Our philosophy is not only to dominate the ball, but also to keep pressuring the opponent.          “Our counterattacks were very effective. The team played a very tight match, and I am very satisfied with the performance of the players," he said.

Last night, JDT defeated Ulsan HD 3-0, with the first goal was scored by Arif Aiman ​​in the 8th minute followed by Oscar Arribas in the 67th minute and Bergson Da Silva in the 88th minute.

-- BERNAMA