'Though now an opponent,' Incheon FC fans bow in greeting... Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan: "They have become a stronger team" [Incheon Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoon Jeong-hwan, head coach of Incheon United, was the manager who gave dreams and hope to Kangwon fans two years ago. Although they are now opponents, Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan and the Kangwon fans exchanged warm greetings with each other.

On the 2nd, Incheon lost 0-1 to Kangwon FC in a home match at Incheon Football Stadium as part of the 11th round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026. As a result, Incheon failed to achieve a three-game winning streak. The team recorded a season record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses (14 points), dropping to 8th place in the league.

This Incheon-Kangwon match was a meaningful game. Incheon's head coach Yoon Jeong-hwan led Kangwon from June 2023 through the 2024 season. In 2024, he demonstrated his managerial skills by leading Kangwon to a surprising "runner-up surge." However, Coach Yoon moved to Incheon last year and led Incheon to win the K League 2, delivering a "promotion gift." Through this match, Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan faced Kangwon as an opponent for the first time in two years.

The result was a decisive victory for Kangwon. Although Incheon fielded a striking duo of Mugo and Perrier, they failed to break through Kangwon's quick transitions and solid defense. Incheon managed only one shot in the first half. In total, Incheon recorded just two shots, with none on target. In contrast, Kangwon recorded 11 total shots, with 6 on target.

Although the match ended with a harsh result, the relationship between Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan and the Kangwon fans remained special. After the game, Coach Yoon walked over to the Kangwon away supporters' section on the opposite side and bowed his head to greet the fans. The Kangwon fans welcomed him with enthusiastic applause. Coach Yoon also greeted several former Kangwon players he had coached, encouraging his former students.

After the match, Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan said, "Meeting Kangwon again after two years, I could feel that they have become a much stronger team. Although we prepared for the game, we failed to create situations where we could make something happen. That was a factor in our defeat. We should have made quick tactical changes. I feel a great deal of responsibility. The players worked hard for 90 minutes, but there were limits to creating chances. Kangwon's transition speed and defensive awareness were excellent," praising his former team.

He added, "We have had injuries and accumulated yellow cards. With four matches remaining before the break, we need to play well."

On this day, Kangwon defender Lee Gi-hyeok commented on his reunion with Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan: "We often exchanged messages even before this. When I greeted him this time, Coach Yoon said he was doing well and looked good. We also exchanged jokes. Although it felt awkward to meet as players of different teams now, I still believed we had to win the match."

Lee Gi-hyeok also said, "Coach Yoon came to greet the Kangwon fans, and I felt emotions I had never experienced before. I think I greeted him properly and concluded the interaction well."

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*This content was translated by AI.