Pohang Steelers Coach: Beating Shanghai Port Was Thrilling; Without the Goalkeeper’s Saves, It Might Have Been Tough

On the evening of October 1st, in the second round of the East Asian group stage of the 2024-2025 AFC Champions League Elite Tournament, Pohang Steelers hosted and defeated the visiting Shanghai Port 3-0. After the game, Pohang coach Park Tae-Ha attended the press conference to conduct an in-depth analysis of the match tactics and team performance.

Coach Park Tae-Ha said, “Our tactical deployment proved highly effective, and the players’ performance was satisfactory. In particular, goalkeeper Yoon Pyeong-Guk’s several crucial saves helped us stabilize our defense.”

When asked about his overall view of the match, Park Tae-Ha said, “We successfully overcame the shadow of our first-round defeat. The entire team was filled with a desire for victory, and this mental state is very precious. Shanghai Port is one of China’s top clubs. To limit their attacks, we adopted a strategy of avoiding giving them pressing space in the front and emphasized quick counterattacks. This strategy was well implemented in the first half. In the second half, based on the prediction that the opponent’s physical condition might decline, I made targeted personnel adjustments, and it turned out these adjustments were correct. Considering the possible defensive gaps caused by the decline in the opponent’s physical condition, we hoped to seize opportunities through substitutions to change the course of the game. Jung Jae-Hee’s entry aimed to take advantage of the spaces on the field and leverage his speed.”

The Pohang coach said, “The match was too thrilling. Seeing the goals scored, I felt immense joy, those were my most rewarding moments.”

Regarding the decision to replace the starting goalkeeper, Park Tae-Ha frankly stated, “Making this decision was indeed not easy. Hwang In-Kyu’s performance at the beginning of the season was significant for the team. However, with declining results, I had to make adjustments. Although this may be a blow to him, Yoon Pyeong-Guk’s performance today in key moments helped the team, proving that my decision was right.”

Regarding the improvement in captain Wanderson’s form, Park Tae-Ha joked, “I once jokingly asked him if he had any secrets. He indeed demonstrated the leadership and sense of responsibility expected of a captain, becoming a role model for young players and greatly boosting morale.”

Talking about the team’s recent resurgence, Park Tae-Ha said, “We no longer wish to recall the previous six consecutive losses. What matters is looking forward. Thank you to the fans for their support; we will repay them with better performances.”

Finally, Park Tae-Ha particularly mentioned the importance of the team keeping two consecutive clean sheets: “Keeping consecutive clean sheets reflects our progress in defense. Every player is fulfilling their duties, which has enabled us to achieve such results. With improving results, I believe the team atmosphere will also get better and better.”