'No Consecutive Losses Declared' Coach Kim Ki-dong: "To Become a Strong Team, There Can Be No Defeat"... Choi Jun's Injury-Fueled Fight and Rotation Break Bucheon's Defense [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

FC Seoul head coach Kim Ki-dong (55), who suffered the team's first loss of the season, is now gearing up for another winning streak.

Seoul will face Bucheon FC at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on the 21st in the 9th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026'. Seoul sits atop the table with 19 points (6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), while Bucheon is in fifth place with 10 points (2 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).

After going unbeaten in seven consecutive matches since the season opener, Seoul suffered a 0-1 defeat against Daejeon Hana Citizen in their last game, marking their first loss of the season. Meanwhile, second-place Ulsan HD (16 points) has closed the gap to within three points after crushing Gwangju FC. As a result, Seoul now faces a critical juncture where the top spot could shift depending on the outcome of this match.

This is the first meeting between Seoul and Bucheon this season. Bucheon has recorded 2 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses since the opener, maintaining a balanced offense and defense with 8 goals scored and 8 conceded. Notably, their defensive organization is a strong point, having kept clean sheets in three of their eight matches.

Coach Kim Ki-dong, who met with the press before the match, expressed deep frustration over the tight schedule and the recent loss. He stated, "With night games and afternoon matches in high heat alternating, even our foreign players were visibly exhausted, both physically and mentally. As a result, our bodies felt heavy, and we struggled against the opponent's rough play."

However, Coach Kim emphasized that the team must not dwell on the disappointment of the loss. He strongly conveyed the message to his players: "To become a strong team and secure a good position this year, we absolutely cannot afford consecutive losses."

To break through Bucheon's solid defensive structure, Seoul will deploy a variety of attacking options. Seven players have contributed goals evenly: Cleimala leads the team with 4 goals, followed by Song Min-kyu (3 goals), Jo Young-wook, Lee Seung-mo, and Ross (2 goals each), and Huizi and Son Jeong-beom (1 goal each).

Coach Kim Ki-dong expressed confidence, saying, "Our concentration at the start of the match and in the final 15 minutes has definitely improved compared to last year. If we score early, the opponent will have no choice but to open up space."

Bucheon's attack is heavily reliant on Gallego, who has scored 4 goals, meaning half of their total goals come from him. If he is neutralized, finding an alternative attacking path becomes difficult. Coach Kim analyzed Bucheon's strategy of bringing Gallego on as a second-half substitute, stating, "They likely believe we are physically exhausted and are planning to introduce a fast player in the second half to decide the match."

With an unrelenting schedule, player rotation and physical management have become key variables. Choi Jun, who was diagnosed with a bone bruise on his left leg in the previous match, has shown strong determination to play and is expected to take the field normally.

Coach Kim Ki-dong announced, "We will carefully manage the playing time of Huizi, who needs to improve his condition, and Cleimala, who is under pressure from accumulated yellow cards." Regarding Yazan, he added, "We plan to rest him and may bring him on depending on the situation in the second half."

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*This content was translated by AI.