He’s played in a number of important derbies in Korea and Japan, but now Mariners attacker Kim Seung-yong wants to celebrate his first #F3DERBY with a win over the Jets.
He-s played in a number of important derbies in Korea and Japan, but now Mariners attacker Kim Seung-yong wants to celebrate his first #F3DERBY with a win over the Jets.
Kim, who celebrated his 29th birthday yesterday, has featured in rivalries including FC Seoul vs. Suwon Bluewings, Ulsan Hyundai vs. Pohang Steelers, and Gamba Osaka vs. Cerezo Osaka.
With such experience in Asian hostilities in his locker, Kim is confident he can help Phil Moss-s men fire against their fiercest foes at Central Coast Stadium tonight.
“I have played in lots of derbies in Korea and Japan,” Kim said via an interpreter on Friday. “The biggest one in Korea is FC Seoul vs. Suwon Bluewings, and I have experience in that.”
“Also Ulsan Hyundai vs. Pohang Steelers and the Osaka Derby between Gamba and Cerezo. I know what the #F3DERBY is and understand that we must win the game for ourselves and the fans.”
Kim believes the confidence within the Mariners- camp has risen to another level since Tuesday-s epic 2-1 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the AFC Champions League, and that home ground advantage will help the Mariners in today-s #F3DERBY.
“Hiroshima is a top Japanese team, so it was always going to be a tough match,” he said. “But we really played well, so I am satisfied with the result.”
“We won our last game, so the team is rising at the moment. We can play better and better, so against Newcastle we will look to show our skills.”
“I have a lot of confidence when we play at home, because the last time we were there in the Hyundai A-League I scored a nice free kick,” he said.
Kim says he used to watch Newcastle marksman Emile Heskey in the English Premier League, but coming up against the former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker at Gosford-s idyllic bayside arena won-t worry him.
“I-ve watched Emile Heskey on television since I was little,” he said. “I know he-s a quality player, but I don-t mind at all about playing him because football is a team sport, so we-ll worry about their team.”
One man Kim is looking forward to seeing soon is Beijing Guoan midfielder Ha Dae-sung.
Close friends during their time in K-League Classic, Kim and the Mariners will challenge Ha and his Beijing teammates in the Chinese capital on Wednesday.
Kim believes that the Mariners can back up their win over Hajime Moriyasu-s Sanfrecce Hiroshima with a disciplined display against Gregorio Manzano-s men.
“Ha Dae-sung was one of the best technicians in the K-League and is one of my best friends,” Kim explained. “He has been playing really well since he switched to Beijing, and he is an important player for them.”
“Playing against Beijing will be hard, but a point, at least, is achievable for us.”
“No matter if it-s J.League, K-League Classic or Chinese Super League teams, we-re going to make it very difficult for them when they fly to Australia because of the distance to get here,” Kim concluded.
Central Coast Mariners will depart Central Coast Stadium following tonight-s #F3DERBY bound for Sydney, and will fly to Beijing ahead of Wednesday-s 2014 AFC Champions League matchday 3 meeting with Beijing Guoan tomorrow.
Central Coast Mariners FC vs. Newcastle Jets FC
Saturday 15 March 2014
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter! #F3DERBY
