Fulham's game against Busan l'Park on Wednesday evening was exactly the type of challenge Manager Roy Hodgson was hoping for during the Club's pre-season tour of Korea, as he revealed during his post match press conference.
“I thought it was a good match. Both teams had to work very hard in hot and humid conditions. I congratulate Busan l’Park on their victory. I thought they played very well. When they took the lead one-nil they deserved it.
“For us, at this early stage of the season it was a good test for us. We’ve had to work very hard and that’s why we’re here, to get a tough work out against a team in the middle of their season. I thought they were strong and fast and technically good players.
“They’re a team in the middle of their season so they’re used to playing together. Maybe towards the end of the game we got on top and could have equalised but I thought for the first 70 minutes the game was fairly even.
“I know the standard of football in Korea is very high and we saw that on Wednesday. The game was played at a very fast pace. Busan have many players who are quick and strong and dangerous with the ball.
"We were put to a severe test at this early stage of the season and some of the players are not used to playing in the First Team. It was exactly the type of test I wanted for that team.
“I'd have been happier if we could have drawn the game and I thought towards the end of the game we deserved an equaliser but I don’t begrudge Busan their victory and I think they can be happy and proud of their performance.”
