'Winless streak broken, Choi Jun also injured' FC Seoul coach Kim Ki-dong: "Players clearly exhausted... Rather than blaming the officiating, we will treat this defeat as a tonic" [Samam]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ki-dong (55), FC Seoul's head coach, expressed his disappointment after suffering the team's first loss since the season opener.

On the 18th at 2 p.m., Seoul lost 0-1 to Daejeon Hana Citizen in an away match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the 8th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026', conceding a late goal by Yoo Sang-hyun.

After eight matches since the season began, Seoul suffered its first defeat, halting its upward momentum. However, it maintained the top position with 19 points (6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss). Meanwhile, Daejeon ended its three-game losing streak and surged from 11th to 5th place with 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses).

Seoul conceded its first goal of the season in the 16th minute of the first half to Yoo Kang-hyun. Despite substituting in Houzi and Moon Sun-min at the start of the second half to launch a relentless attack, the team failed to turn the match around.

In the 18th minute of the second half, Moon Sun-min connected with Song Min-gyu's cross with a header, shaking the net, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul committed during the preceding challenge. Although Cheon Sung-hoon was also brought on, Seoul could not score an equalizer and ultimately suffered its first loss of the season.

At the post-match press conference, Coach Kim Ki-dong cited the physical burden from traveling to Ulsan HD just three days prior, stating, "It seems the players' recovery has not progressed as much as expected. Their fatigue was clearly evident." He added, "We conceded a goal due to a single mistake, regained possession, and created chances, but failed to convert them into goals, which was disappointing."

He further emphasized, "We cannot continue winning indefinitely, so it is crucial to navigate such crises effectively." and "We must become even stronger to overcome the opponent's compact defense and pressure."

Regarding the three consecutive matches against Jeonbuk Hyundai, Ulsan, and Daejeon, Kim stated, "Securing six points from three games is not a bad result, but it is true that we missed a clear opportunity to win today." He added, "We will quickly compose ourselves and prepare for a comeback."

In stoppage time of the second half, Choi Jun complained of pain in his fibula bone and was substituted. Coach Kim also voiced concerns about the challenges of managing the squad due to injuries. He said, "The emergence of additional injuries is a setback. With limited available resources, we will deeply consider how to prepare for the upcoming match against Bucheon FC."

On the somewhat disappointing officiating decisions of the day, Kim remarked, "There are certainly aspects that are regrettable, but we must respect the officials' decisions." He continued, "Since the result is already decided, it is a problem we must overcome and overcome on our own."

Finally, Coach Kim pledged, "We will create an atmosphere so that today's defeat can serve as a tonic for the team." and "We will comfort the players and show a new side in the upcoming match against Jeju."

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*This content was translated by AI.