Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
AL Ain: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors coach Choi Kang-hee hailed his side’s victory over Al Ain in the final of the 2016 AFC Champions League on Saturday evening as the culmination of three years’ work since making his return to the club in 2014.
Choi, who guided the club to the AFC Champions League crown in 2006, rejoined the club after securing Korea Republic’s berth at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil and the 3-2 aggregate win over the club from the United Arab Emirates was his side’s crowning glory.
“It’s our first title since 2006 I’m so really happy,” said Choi, who was also a runner-up in the competition in 2011. “When we lost in 2011, I saw the fans were so dispirited, so winning the AFC Champions League is an unforgettable dream.
“Since coming back to Jeonbuk from the national team in 2014 we have been building this team so that we can win the AFC Champions League. Finally, it has happened. I want to thank the fans. This is for them.”
Jeonbuk went into the game with a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Jeonju and increased their advantage in the 30th minute when Han Kyo-won struck from Lee Jae-sung’s corner.