Viettel FC coach laments AFC Champions League exit

By Dong Huyen   July 5, 2021 | 11:18 pm PT
Viettel FC coach laments AFC Champions League exit
Viettel FC (R) play Pathum United at the AFC Champions League on July 5, 2021. Photo courtesy of the Asian Football Confederation.
A moment of distraction cost Viettel FC the game against BG Pathum United, with coach Jurgen Gede in quite a state.

"We did well in the first half as we controlled the game and scored the opener. But there were still 45 minutes left. During the break, I told the players we need to maintain the tempo and control the game. But they weren’t able to do that and the tide turned too fast in the second half. In a big tournament like this, a moment of distraction can make you pay the price," Gede said in the post-match press conference Monday.

In their crucial AFC Champions League (ACL) match Monday night with BG Pathum United, Viettel got a great start with a goal from Pedro Paulo in the 23rd minute. However, Pathum scored three comeback goals in just eight minutes of the second half.

"Pathum are a strong team with confident players. Before the game, we were so ready but things didn’t go as planned. Although we are disappointed, we have to learn from our mistakes for the next games," Gede added.

The third defeat in four games ruled Viettel out of ACL early with two games left. In their next clash, they will face defending champions Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea. In the first leg, Viettel lost 0-1 to Ulsan.

AFC Champions League: Viettel 1-3 Pathum United

 
 
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