Even attackers are having fun defending! The coach was right... Jeong Kyung-ho's magic that created 'fewest goals conceded, ranked 1st' [Incheon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

"The players enjoy defending."

These were the words of Jeong Kyung-ho (46), head coach of Gangwon FC. The Gangwon players shared the same sentiment. Not only defenders but even attackers expressed positive opinions about defending throughout the match and pressing high up the field. This is the driving force behind Gangwon, which is currently tied for first place in the league for fewest goals conceded.

On the 2nd, Gangwon secured a 1-0 victory over Incheon United in an away match at the Incheon Football Stadium in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 11. It was an overwhelming performance. With immense work rate, Gangwon converted 6 of their 11 total shots into effective shots, launching accurate attacks. Their defense was also flawless. Incheon is a team boasting top-tier attackers such as Mugoza and Ferrier, yet they failed to register a single effective shot.

With this victory, Gangwon moved to 4th place in the league with 4 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses (16 points). Their form has been excellent, recording 4 wins (1 draw, 1 loss) in their last 6 matches. The driving force behind their upward momentum is undoubtedly their defense. This year, Gangwon has conceded only 9 goals, tying for first place in the league for fewest goals conceded. A key feature is that all players on the field, from defenders to attackers, press the opponent, helping to control the flow of the game in their favor.

After the victory against Incheon, Coach Jeong Kyung-ho said, "When we look at strong teams like Machida Zelvia (Japan) that have advanced to the Asian Champions League (ACLE) final, they have very high energy levels and quick transitions between offense and defense. We are trying to keep up with them." He added, "The players also enjoy defending. Previously, when asked to defend, they found it uncomfortable and difficult, but now they find joy in the defensive style of pressing, winning the ball back, and immediately attacking again. It seems like their bodies are releasing dopamine in terms of physical exertion."

The coach's words proved correct. The Gangwon players also enjoyed defending. Team defender Lee Gi-hyuk explained, "As the team's identity has aligned with a high energy level, we are pressing strongly up the field. It seems other teams have not yet found a way to break through our press. When we start matches with intense pressure, we see opposing players often flustered, and the players find joy in that aspect. It seems to be the driving force that allows us to run even more. As the team's identity has become clear, we are playing while enjoying ourselves."

Even Kim Dae-won, who has scored the team's most goals with 4, said, "Even when we don't have the ball, we must defend to control the game as we wish. In modern football, I believe attackers cannot avoid defending. It's good that goals come out of that process." He added, "As we diligently play the football we want to play, results are following. It is important to play the football the coach wants us to play."

In fact, Gangwon created the winning goal through high pressing even in the match against Incheon. They pushed hard from the opponent's half, forcing Incheon into mistakes, which allowed them to break the tight early atmosphere and gain favorable momentum. From the middle of the first half, Gangwon unleashed a barrage of shots, and in the 44th minute, Kim Dae-won scored a spectacular long-range winner.

Issues with stamina have not yet surfaced. Lee Gi-hyuk stated, "The coach tells us not to hold back on stamina, as even players coming off the bench are ready to run hard. He also always says before matches, 'If you get tired, you lose; if you go crazy, you win.' Hearing that always motivates me. This is clearly showing up on the field." He emphasized, "All players are well-prepared, so we will not abandon this identity and will keep pushing forward."

The enthusiastic support from Gangwon fans also gives the players the strength to take another step forward. Many Gangwon fans attended the recent match against Incheon, offering fiery support. Coach Jeong Kyung-ho expressed gratitude, saying, "It was a very long away trip, yet many fans came." He praised the team, adding, "We played a good match. Our energy levels, the process of pressing high and then rebuilding, and our game model all emerged through high energy levels. The Incheon away trip was not easy, but the players created a winnable game and secured the result, which is commendable."

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*This content was translated by AI.