AFC Champions League: Kitchee boss Kim says Hong Kong side’s reputation safe despite relegation to second tier
- Change in competition’s rules means winners of Hong Kong Premier League will now play in the lower level ACL 2
- Kim Dong-jin’s says qualifying for new regional competition next season is still a huge incentive
Kim Dong-jin insisted Kitchee’s powerhouse reputation would not be damaged by an absence of AFC Champions League football for the foreseeable future.
A 2-1 defeat by South Korean club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Wednesday confirmed Kitchee’s exit from this season’s competition, albeit their race was long since run after claiming only one point from the previous four matches.
They have one more game, against Lion City Sailors in a fortnight, after which the Champions League door will slam in the faces of the Hong Kong champions.
The Asian Football Confederation earlier this year waved through proposed changes to its club competitions from 2024. A new AFC Champions League Elite will feature only 24 teams, drawn from the 12 countries ranked highest in the AFC’s club competitions ranking.
The champions of Hong Kong’s Premier League will gain entry into the group stage of a second-tier AFC Champions League 2.
It feels rough on Kitchee, who reached the Champions League round of 16 last term, or any team that wins the domestic title. But interim head coach Kim, whose side are currently trailing leaders Lee Man by six points, maintained that qualification for the secondary tournament remained a notable incentive.
“It does not matter whether it is ACL 2, it is very important for us to qualify,” Kim said.
“It is a chance to face strong opposition, which is an opportunity to improve, and players want to come if you play in these competitions.
“Kitchee’s reputation in Asia is improving, more people know our team, because last season we reached the last 16, and we have regularly played in the Champions League.
“If next time, it is the ACL 2, it would be an honour to play there. We are second in the league, but we will fight to the end for the title.”
The winners of Hong Kong’s FA Cup will earn a place in the ACL 2 qualifying rounds, but there is nothing on offer for the teams finishing second and third in the league.
Jeonbuk head coach Dan Petrescu said Kitchee would be hurting over their exclusion from the premium competition.
“Kitchee is a big club, and they will miss the Champions League,” Petrescu told the Post.
“Kitchee deserved more points this season. I watched their games against [group leaders] Bangkok United [2–1 loss, and 1-1 draw], and there was not much difference between the teams.
“They create chances, and their defence is solid. They have quality foreign players, with good skill, and it is not easy to play against them.”
Kitchee’s next assignments, against North District on Sunday and RCFC the following Friday, represent golden opportunities to close the gap on Lee Man.
They have twice recently beaten closest rivals Lee Man in cup competitions to go some way to atoning for a lamentable 4-1 defeat in the league and, before losing to Jeonbuk, were on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
“Kitchee changed many things this season,” Kim, who was appointed in September, said.
“After I took this role, we built up the team. When I played for Kitchee, and when I was assistant coach, our style of play was to have possession of the ball.
“I want to keep that style, but find ways of making it more effective against strong opponents, in Champions League competition.
“We have to be more clinical in the final third … our focus is on improving our finishing.
“Kitchee is an important club for me, and I have a great desire to achieve results and win trophies.
“I want to develop the players and show we are competitive.”
