Tokyo: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors coach Choi Kang-hee picked out Korea Republic international Kim Bo-kyung as the potential difference maker for the K-League Classic champions in their crucial AFC Champions League Group E tie at FC Tokyo on Wednesday.
Former Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic midfielder Kim Bo-kyung (pictured, No13) joined Choi’s side ahead of the 2016 season and is in contention for a start against the J.League side having missed the last two continental outings through injury.
A win for the visitors could see them advance to the last 16 with a game to spare should Vietnam’s Becamex Binh Duong also defeat Jiangsu FC in the group’s later game in China.
And should the 26-year-old start at Tokyo Stadium it would mark a return to the country where he enjoyed spells at Cerezo Osaka, Oita Trinita and, most recently, Matsumoto Yamagata in last year’s domestic championship.
“Kim’s playing experience in Japan is a strong asset for us,” said Choi, who saw Kim Bo-kyung net an 86th minute winner in their 3-2 win in the K-League on Saturday against Seongnam FC.
“He got injured earlier, but now his fitness is improving and he scored the winning goal in our previous match.
“On top of that, I am hoping that he can help the team gel together well as our leading player.
“If we lose tomorrow we’ll be in difficult situation after that. So, we’ll fight it out with all our soul and might.”
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Choi will, though, be without suspended defensive duo Kim Chang-soo and Kim Hyun-gil after they both received red cards against Binh Duong in Jeonbuk’s 3-2 defeat in Vietnam earlier this month.
Group E leaders FC Tokyo are just a point ahead of second-placed Jeonbuk and a win over the Koreans would see them advance into the Round of 16, while victory and a draw between Jiangsu and Binh Duong would also see Hiroshi Jofuku’s side win the group.
“We lost to them in our away game, and they are a wonderful side, featuring so many talented players, which is notable amongst the Korean teams,” said Jofuku, who will be without Japan defender Masato Morishige due to suspension, having seen FC Tokyo lost 2-1 to Jeonbuk at the start of the campaign.
“They are a tough side to play against, but we’d like to play with all our efforts and grab the three points at home to get through the group stage.
“I am convinced that we have prepared as much as we can fortomorrow’s game. I know both teams are playing in a tough schedule, but I hope we can play well and get the win.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com