Suwon: Suwon Samsung Bluewings coach Seo Jung-won is looking to take a big step towards the knockout stage of the 2016 AFC Champions League by defeating Gamba Osaka in the opening match of Group G on Wednesday.
The 2015 K-League Classic runners-up defeated Japanese opposition at the group stage in last year's tournament on the way to the last 16 after recording two wins over Urawa Red Diamonds (pictured).
And with Australia’s Melbourne Victory and China’s Shanghai SIPG also drawn in Group G, another opening day win at Suwon World Cup Stadium will be the ideal start for the two-time Asian Club Championship winners.
“This is our first game of 2016 and it is crucial,” said Seo. “Last season our opening win against Urawa Reds gave us a good platform to progress and we are looking for the same against Gamba. We are at home and will do our best to take the three points.
“They have important players like Patric, Yasuhito Endo and Takashi Usami. They are a settled team who can manage games well. We are confident, however, that we can get a good result to get our campaign off to the start we are looking for.”
Click here for all fixtures
Unlike a number of teams starting the tournament, Suwon has been quiet in the transfer market and lost goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong and midfielder Seo Jung-jin, while Cho Won-hee has returned to the club to bolster the midfield.
“The condition of our players is not bad and pre-season training in Spain was a success,” added Seo. “We are ready for the challenges ahead.”
Like Suwon, 2008 AFC Champions League winners and the 2015 J.League runner-up Gamba have yet to start their new domestic season.
“We have no injuries and are looking forward to what we know will be a difficult game,” said coach Kenta Hasegawa.
“It is not a question of whether we play defensively or offensively. What we will attempt to do is play the Gamba Osaka style.
“We are a better team than last year. Our target is to win the tournament.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com