Ulsan HD head coach Kim Pan-gon has expressed being disappointed at opening their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a defeat than a win, admitting they now face an uphill task in their next two fixtures.
The South Korean outfit narrowly lost 1-0 to South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the wee hours of Wednesday courtesy of Iqraam Rayners’ first-half strike at the Inter&co Stadium in Orlando.
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The match was postponed by as much as 65 minutes due to ‘fallen lightning forecast’ and Pan-gon still remains optimistic in their chances of making the knockout stages but knows it will be even more difficult especially after Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense played to a goalless stalemate.
“Our goal is to advance to the round of 16, and this game was the match. I should have won,” Pan-gon said, according to Sportschosun.
“The players did their best in difficulties. I appreciate the players in that regard. I will recover well and do my best in the remaining two games.
“It’s a shame, but I’ve created good chances in the first half, and I think positively. However, there was a disappointment in the first run. There was an organizational problem throughout the team. If such an improvement is made, I think positively.”
The 56-year-old mentor also took time out to thank their traveling fans and those back in South Korea for their support despite the minor setback.
“First of all, I would like to thank the fans for getting up early in the morning and supporting Ulsan,” he added.
“We are also grateful to our fans from Ulsan far away and to Korean residents who visited the stadium. Didn’t get the expected win or point. Unfortunately, I think the tactics prepared for this tournament came out somewhat well.
“The players did their best in the midst of difficulties. I appreciate the players in that regard. I will recover well and do my best in the remaining two games.
“It was a match that we had to win unconditionally. What’s your chance of advancing to the round of 16.
“Our goal is to advance to the round of 16, and this game was a showdown. I should have won. Fluminensey and Dortmund are powerfully ahead. I tried my best, but I didn’t get the results. But I’m proud of our players.
“I will recover well and prepare systematically and prepare well.”
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