Pan Yonghe, interim head coach of Guangzhou FC, club from China admitted they will be without a host of key players for the second successive edition due to the challenges caused by the pandemic, is banking on exuberance and youth in the Chinese side’s quest for glory.
“This is part of the new strategy for the club, to place greater emphasis on youth development. It is our longer-term vision to create our very own superstars from the Guangzhou academy,” Pan Yonghe, said.
“But for this year’s competition, we can assure you that we will do our best to perform, and above all, we want to improve from last year. JDT are a strong side, and they are enjoying a great spell in the local league, but our message to them is – we are not afraid.”
“As youth players, they are all motivated to showcase their capability. It is essential that they make full use of this opportunity to gain the experience, to grow and develop at the highest level.”
AFC Champions League 2022, group stage, Group I, matchday 1 between Johor Darul Ta’zim vs Guangzhou FC will be played on 15 April at 10.00 pm. at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri.
Credit Photo : Emmer Farid/SNE images
