Gao Hongbo: regrettable but not regretful

CHANGCHUN, Northeast China, May 22 (Xinhua) -- "It was pitiful and sad to fail, but we don't regret." said Gao Hongbo, coach of Changchun Yatai, after his team lost the chance to reach the AFC Champions League quarterfinals Thursday in a 0-0 draw against the Adelaide United of Australia.

"The result is regrettable and sad." he said after the match, "To advance from the group in the AFC Champions League is our target in the first half of the year, and we wanted to go further. My team members have done their best, and I am truly grateful."

The host was forced to a draw by the Australian team and ended its journey in the AFC Champions League matches at home.

"I watched the European Cup final in the morning. The Chelsea player shot on the cross-bar, and Dazaghi also shot on it - maybe it was all fate." He said.

Changchun Yatai, champion of last year's China Super League, had decided to given up the champion of this year and fight for advancing to quarters at the AFC Champions League. However, it is possible that the team won't achieve satisfactory results from both leagues, and the team did not regret for it, according to Gao.

"We want to train our young players during the AFC Champions League and put them onto the stage of Asian soccer. I think a football club should seek development on higher levels." said Gao.