Adelaide: Kim Jae-sung (pictured left) joined Adelaide United ahead of the 2017 AFC Champions League and, following back-to-back defeats, the ex-Korea Republic international’s leadership and experience will be needed ahead of the visit of former club Jeju United on Matchday Three.
An AFC Champions League winner in 2009 with Pohang Steelers, the-AFC.com caught up with the 33-year-old midfielder to get his views on Wednesday’s opponents as well as his time so far in South Australia.
Q: You’ve been in Adelaide for a few weeks now, how have you settled into the club and the city?
A: It has been a very smooth time settling in at Adelaide United and Australia. From day one the people at the club and my teammates have made me feel at home and helped me a lot to settling in very quickly. It’s a new country, my first time living abroad, but already Adelaide feels like home now. Adelaide is a beautiful city with very nice scenery and lovely friendly people.
Q: You seem to have taken on a leadership role at the club almost instantly, directing play out on the field. Is that how you see your role at the club?
A: Yes. I believe that my experience can help the team a great deal and is one of the reasons I joined the club. But it’s no good to just direct play on the pitch and behave and talk like a leader if you don't lead by example. So my first priority is to get my act together out there before anything, then naturally if I show this my teammates will follow my lead.
Q: It’s been a tough start to the AFC Champions League for Adelaide United with losses against Gamba Osaka and Jiangsu Suning, are you still confident you can qualify for the Round of 16?
A: Well the AFC Champions League is always difficult because the best teams from leagues around Asia are competing. And our draw is s very tough draw with all our opposition teams being of high quality. It has been a tough start but it’s only the beginning and if we work hard and believe in ourselves that we can get through then anything is possible.
Q: You come up against a familiar foe this week in Jeju United, where you played last year and also started your career. Have you spoken to the Adelaide United coaching staff about their style of play and what to expect?
A: Yes I have had meetings with our coaching staff and I have given them all the information that I know, but of course that information is a secret (laughs).
Q: Jeju United had a very impressive win against Gamba Osaka in their last AFC Champions League match, how tough will they be to play against?
A: Very, very tough! Last season they had a very strong squad and this year they have added players to be even stronger. And their win against Gamba Osaka proved this. It will be a very tough match against them but they are not invincible so a win is always possible if we play to our game plan.
Q: You know all their players very well, who are the key danger men?
A: They have some very dangerous players and a very deep squad. I honestly think that all of their players are the danger men. We can't just focus on one or two players. As a team they are very dangerous. I am very much looking forward to playing against them and trying to pull off a win.
Q: Finally, you won the AFC Champions League in 2009 with Pohang Steelers. You must have very fond memories of this competition?
A: Yes, it was indeed a very proud moment in my life and career. That win ultimately led to my national team selection and then allowed me to play in the World Cup in 2010.
But that was a long time ago and I am ready to make new memories and get that taste of winning the ACL again. I desperately want to make new fond memories with Adelaide United.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com