Al Ittihad Coach Gabriel Calderon Disappointed But Proud After Asian Final Defeat

Al Ittihad coach Gabriel Calderon was proud but disappointed after watching his team lose 2-1 to Pohang Steelers in the final of the Asian Champions League in Tokyo on Saturday.  

After a goalless first half, Pohang took the lead against the run of play through Noh Byung-joon just before the hour and just minutes later, Kim Hyung-il headed home a second.

Mohammed Noor reduced the arrears with 16 minutes remaining to set up a last period that should have been tense but one that Pohang rode out relatively comfortably. 

 “We didn't win but I was very satisfied with the quality of the play that my team demonstrated.  I think it was a high quality game and our players should feel very proud,” Calderon said according to the-afc.com.

"Our players showed to the world the quality of Saudi Arabian football.”

 For the Argentine, it was a case of what might have been as in the first hour, the Jeddah giants created a number of good chances.

“It was positive that we could create so much. We've not always been at full strength but we've been able to perform well throughout the competition.”   

“Our players tried their best but it didn't come off for us. We did have some chances but we couldn't take advantage of them, that's basically the reason why we lost. They scored from two set-pieces, which was unfortunate.

“I want to congratulate Pohang on their success. They're an offensive team and I think they'll do well in the future."