Preview: SAFFC vs Super Reds

Bok cautious ahead of Reds test

Gerald Lee
info@sleague.com

Reigning champions SAFFC will look to retake the S.League summit on Friday when they take on the Super Reds, who pushed the Warriors for the title last year but have started slowly this term.

Richard Bok’s Warriors have looked less than their usual imperious selves this season, possibly feeling the effects of a bruising AFC Champions League campaign where they have gone up against the best of Japan, South Korea and China.

But they have still handed out thumpings in the S.League, 6-0 against Albirex Niigata (S) and 7-1 against Sengkang Punggol last time out and they are just one point behind Brunei DPMM on the table, with Friday’s game in hand.

Coach Bok though is cautious ahead of the Korean test at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

“The S.League these days is extremely competitive, with many supposedly weaker teams pulling off upsets against bigger clubs. We will put in 100%, and will not be taking anything for granted,” he said.

“The Super Reds are a classic Korean side: they play fast one-touch football with plenty of off-the-ball movement and my players need to remain focused throughout the game.”

SAFFC have looked less than assured at the back so far and their travails in the Champions League – where they have conceded 10 goals in three matches – may have had a multiplier effect domestically, where the Warriors have let in nine in eight outings.

“It is a problem for us, and we will be working on that to better the record,” said Bok, noting though that goalscoring at the other end has been much less of a problem. “But for now, as long as we score more than we concede, we should be fine.”

The Super Reds and their coach Jeon Kyeong Joon will be looking to test how cavalier SAFFC will prove, as well as use his side’s vaunted fitness and relentless pressing game to push back the Warriors.

Last week's 2-1 win over Albirex Niigata was a sweet victory for the Koreans being not only an always welcome triumph over a Japanese side, but also the first three points they had taken at home this season.

Jeon, who has maintained that his side will hit the highs of last season only after his new recruits have adapted to the S.League, will be hoping that last week's win - only their second of the season - can kickstart their 2009 campaign.