Jang dedicates win to Chinese fans

Coach Lee Jang-Soo dedicated Guangzhou Evergrande Wednesday’s 5-1 AFC Champions League win away to Jeonbuk Motors to Chinese football fans.

The big-spending Chinese outfit, who previously made their ambition to become Asian champions clear, produced an emphatic statement with a big win over last season’s beaten finalists in South Korea.

“The victory belongs to all the fans in China,” Lee said. “China didn’t reach the final stage in World Cup qualifying, so all fans and people in the football community moved their emotions to this club.”

“We have a really big mission in the ACL. It is also a power to force us to go forward.”

The South Korean coach, who formerly led Beijing Guoan and FC Seoul, added his side would not get carried away with the opening win.

“We have tried our best, but it is just a first step. There are also some problems in this match, we will consult the video soon,” he said.

“I previously came to Korea with Beijing Guoan, but failed to win. But this time, I came back with pride. It shows Chinese teams have the ability to win against Korean sides.”

Jeonbuk boss Lee Heung-Sil admitted his side had been outclassed on their own turf.

“The gap between China and Korea has now narrowed. Eninho missed a valuable chance which hit the post, so we were very unfortunate,” Lee said.

“We tried to get back in the game but we gave up so many goals through the process.”