KUALA LUMPUR: When he was Malaysia's national coach, Kim Pan Gon was highly regarded before he suddenly quit his job and went back to South Korea.
His stock must have fallen yesterday after his team, Ulsan HD, were outplayed 3-0 by Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in an Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) match at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Pan Gon could not hide his disappointment.
His team, though winning the K-League title, faltered in the ACLE. Ulsan have gone winless and goalless in four matches.
Pan Gon reasoned that Ulsan have been hit by injuries and faced a tight schedule.
"I'm very disappointed as we still haven't earned a point or scored a goal at the highest level in Asia. I'm very sorry for the Ulsan fans," said Pan Gon.
"Having only five days to prepare and enduring a six-hour journey from South Korea to Malaysia had an impact on the team, though it should not be an excuse for us.
"It took a toll on the players. Lee Myung Jae and Ko Seung Beom were injured and it affected my plans.
"We cannot look for excuses. Today we lost, we have to look forward to the next game as we mustn't give up trying to qualify for the round of 16," added Pan Gon.