Kim seeks home comforts for FC Seoul
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 23, 2013
Korea Republic international Kim Chi-woo is eyeing more home comforts to inspire FC Seoul to becoming the fourth Korean side to win the AFC Champions League in five years ahead of Saturday's final first leg against China's Guangzhou Evergrande at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
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Kim has missed just one match in the knockout stage as the K-League champions reached the final following an eight-match unbeaten streak. |
The Korean champions are unbeaten at home in the AFC Champions League this season, while their only defeat on their travels came in the group stage when losing 1-0 to Vegalta Sendai in Japan before claiming impressive draws in both Saudi Arabia and Iran during the knockout stages.
And with Chinese counterparts Guangzhou scoring eight goals in their last two away games en route to the final, Kim knows that record is set to come under its sternest examination yet at the weekend ahead of the return fixture at Tianhe Stadium two weeks later.
"Our home record is really important. It is definitely true that we have played well at our home stadium and this is why the first match of the final is so important. We must not concede a goal and also, whenever we make a chance, we have to score. The most important thing is to win without conceding a goal," said the 29-year-old.
"Just like other teams when they play away, it is hard because we are affected by different surroundings. However, we always try to get used to our surroundings when we are away from home and the results have not been bad. I am sure that we can play well in the second match in China. It is part of the final and I am not worried."
Kim started just one game for Choi Yong-soo's FC Seoul during the group stage of the AFC Champions League this season but since then has missed just one match in the knockout stage as the K-League champions reached the final following an eight-match unbeaten streak.
And having helped Korea Republic qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup earlier this year, the full-back is looking to continue a successful year in the AFC Champions League by extending the recent run of continental success for Korean sides.
"The success of Korean teams in the AFC Champions League does not add any more pressure, rather it motivates me," he said.
"I am really proud that K-League clubs have advanced to the finals five times in a row and won three times. I hope that we can be the fourth champion and prove that the K-League is the best league in Asia.
"As a player, it is an honour to advance to the final in AFC Champions League. I am really proud of my team-mates; we made it together and that makes me confident."
Final opponents Guangzhou have also lost just once en route to the final, while the Chinese champions have scored 14 goals in their last four outings in the AFC Champions League after brushing aside Qatar's Lekhwiya and Japan's Kashiwa Reysol.
Tournament leading scorer Muriqui has taken his tally for the campaign to 13 goals in 12 games, while fellow South Americans Dario Conca and Elkeson have also contributed to Guangzhou's impressive tally.
"Even though I know little about Guangzhou, I have watched their videos a few times. The three imported players are outstanding, that's all I know," said Kim.
"We have two matches, one will be held at home and the other will be held away. The important thing at this point is the winning spirit. Nobody knows who will win; I will just do my best and think that we can win.
"Our head coach has been aiming to win the AFC Champions League from the beginning and so have all the players. He has motivated us to put in more effort and we have followed him. The only thing left is to win. We are looking forward to putting a big smile on the face of our coach at the final."
FC Seoul will have to reshuffle their side for the first leg on Saturday with defender Cha Du-ri suspended having picked up yellow cards in both legs of the semi-final win over Iran's Esteghlal.
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