Ulsan HD have sent a warning to their Club World Cup competitors ahead of a crunch clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Previous reports indicated that the Korean side targeted the game against Masandawana as a crucial one in their bid for Club World Cup glory.
"I believe advancing to the Round of 16 is crucial, and our first match against Mamelodi Sundowns will be key," Ulsan head coach Kim Pan-gon said.
Ulsan HD secured their qualification to the Club World Cup as the best-ranked team in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club rankings.
The team arrived in the USA last week and according to Korean publication MK Sports, Pan-gon said it was important for the team to deliver a strong performance in the tournament.
"Participation in the Club World Cup is a huge motivation," Pan-gon told MK Sports
"I also feel a great sense of responsibility. All I think about is giving fans joy through positive results. The teams participating in the tournament are the best from each continent. It will require a different approach from the K League. We'll show more solid organisation in defence and precision in attack," he added.
Ulsan captain Kim Young-gwon added that the team accepted responsibility as the K League's sole representative.
"We’re representing the K League, and I want to show the world that our league is strong. A lot of opponents might not know our players – we’ll prove that Ulsan is no pushover," the captain said.
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The Tigers will face Masandawana in their first group match before facing Brazilian side Palmeiras FC in their second game and German giants Borussia Dortmund in their final group game.
Photo: Facebook/Ulsan HD FC
