'Jung Won-jin injury variable → regrettable PK' Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan, despite defeat against Pohang, says "Still, the team is getting stronger" [Incheon field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoon Jeong-hwan (53), Incheon United coach, stated that "the team is getting stronger" amidst a regrettable defeat.

Incheon lost 0-1 in the 14th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026' home match against Pohang, held at Incheon Football Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on the 12th.

Incheon, which failed to maintain its unbeaten streak of two consecutive matches (one win, one draw), dropped from fifth to sixth place with 18 points (5 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses). Meanwhile, Pohang, which continued its spirited unbeaten run of four consecutive matches (3 wins, 1 draw), maintained fourth place with 22 points (6 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses).

Despite playing at home, Incheon suffered a series of misfortunes, including Park Seung-ho's surprise shot striking the goalpost in the 22nd minute of the first half, and Jung Won-jin being substituted early due to injury in the latter part of the first half. In the final moments of the first half, a tackle by defender Kim Geon-hee conceded a penalty kick (PK) to Lee Ho-jae, allowing Pohang to take the lead.

In the second half, Incheon actively deployed available attacking resources, including Lee Chung-yong and Ferrier, to chase an equalizer. Lee Myung-ju's sharp shots and Jerson's dangerous dribbling pressured Pohang's goal until the final moments of the match, but they ultimately failed to score.

After the match, Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan commented at the press conference: "We substituted many players, and the players fought hard in their own way, but we failed to secure a victory, so we sincerely apologize to the fans." He added, "The game was progressing as planned until Jung Won-jin got injured, but we were slow to respond to the unexpected injury variable, which led to conceding a goal. That is the most regrettable part."

Regarding Jung Won-jin's condition, Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan expressed concern: "He was stepped on by an opponent's foot, and an ankle sprain is suspected. He will likely need to go to the hospital for a detailed examination."

Despite the defeat, he applauded the players' fighting spirit. Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan said, "Despite the physical and mental fatigue from consecutive matches, the players showed they did not give up until the end." He advised, "Young players like Park Seung-ho showed some impatience and lacked precision at times, but they must feel these mistakes firsthand and make changes to grow further."

He continued, "Recently, Lee Dong-ryul's condition has improved, and although the result is regrettable, we feel the team is gradually getting stronger. With the next match scheduled soon, we will make good use of available resources to finish the first half well."

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*This content was translated by AI.