The coach of Korean club Pohang Steelers has criticised the style of play adopted by Adelaide United in their Asian Champions League match last night.

The reigning Asian champions went down 1-0 to the Reds due to a first half Mathew Leckie goal and Steelers coach Waldermar Lemos was unhappy after the match, saying the Australian side committed a lot of fouls in an attempt to slow down the pace of the game.

"I wanted to play offensively when we went a goal down but they did not let us ... there were a lot of fouls," Lemos said through a translator.

"I know Australia's style ... But I don't like this (waiting for Pohang to make mistakes). Adelaide have good players, this you can see."

Pohang get the chance to redeem themselves in the second group match on March 10 when they host Japanese outfit Sanfrecce Hiroshima at the Pohang Steelyard.