'Though now an opponent,' bows to Gangwon fans... Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan: "They've become a stronger team" [Incheon field]

*This content was translated by AI.

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

On the 2nd, Incheon lost 0-1 to Gangwon 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 4 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses (14 points) for the season and dropped to 8th place in the league.

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

The result was a decisive victory for Gangwon. Although Incheon fielded a two-striker formation with Mugo and Perrier, they failed to break through Gangwon's quick counterattacks and solid defense. Incheon failed to take a single shot during the first half. In total, Incheon recorded only two shots, with none on target. In contrast, Gangwon recorded 11 total shots, with 6 on target.

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

After the match, Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan said, "Meeting Gangwon after two years, I could feel that they have become an even stronger team. Although we prepared for the match, 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. Gangwon's transition speed and defensive awareness were excellent," praising his former team.

He added, "With injuries and accumulated yellow cards, there are four matches left before the break, so we need to play well."

Gangwon defender Lee Ki-hyeok, speaking about his reunion with Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan, said, "We often exchanged messages even before this. When I greeted him this time, Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan said he was doing well and looked good. We also exchanged jokes. Although it felt strange to meet as players of different teams now, I still thought we had to win the match."

Lee Ki-hyeok also said, "Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan came to greet the Gangwon fans, and I think I felt emotions I hadn't experienced before. I believe I greeted him properly and concluded the interaction well."

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*This content was translated by AI.