'Who is the Anyang player that Hong Myung-bo has seen three times?' Coach Yoo Byung-hoon: "Kwon Kyung-won is fully qualified" — Strongly recommends for national team selection [Anyang on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoo Byung-hoon (50), head coach of FC Anyang, actively recommended the selection of center-back Kwon Kyung-won (34) for the Hong Myung-bo national team.

Anyang will host a home match against Kim Cheon (SVP) in the 14th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026' at Anyang Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on the 13th.

Anyang, which has not won in its last three matches (two draws, one loss), sits in ninth place with 16 points (3 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses). Gyeongnam, on a two-match losing streak, is in 10th place with 13 points (2 wins, 7 draws, 4 losses).

Anyang's biggest concern is the 'injury gap.' Following injuries to Thomas, Yuki, and Kim Bo-kyung, key defenders Lee Chang-yong and Kim Dong-jin from the previous Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Daejeon Hana Citizen matches have also been sidelined.

Before the match, Coach Yoo Byung-hoon said, "At this point, all teams are struggling, exhausted, and dealing with injuries," but he emphasized to the players that this cannot be an excuse for not producing results. Regarding the injured players, he reported, "Lee Chang-yong is expected to be out for quite some time due to a foot injury, while Kim Dong-jin has a hamstring muscle fascia rupture but has strong will to play and is preparing to participate in the upcoming Jeju United match after receiving injection treatment."

Changes were also made to the starting lineup. Anyang set up in a 4-3-3 formation, placing Ailton, Kim Woon, and Choi Geon-ju at the front. In midfield, Jeong Jeong-hyun and Han Ga-ram will play alongside Mateus, who has returned from suspension. The defense consists of Lee Tae-hee, Kim Young-chan, Kwon Kyung-won, and Kang Ji-hoon, with Kim Da-sol guarding the goal. Gyeongnam deployed a 4-4-2 formation with Lee Geon-hee and Park Se-jin as the striking duo.

Regarding the decision to start goalkeeper Kim Da-sol, Coach Yoo Byung-hoon explained, "The biggest concern is the physical condition and injury risk of starting players due to frequent matches. Kim Da-sol contributed to many victories last season with excellent saves, and he has shown he is fully prepared for this match as well, so we decided to field him."

He also did not hide his expectations for Mateus, who has returned after serving a suspension. Coach Yoo Byung-hoon added, "This is the area I am most looking forward to. He has fully reflected on his red card. In today's match, I expect him to show a more proactive attitude, such as making passes that bring out the attackers and opening up channels for the offense."

Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national football team, visited the site today as well. After watching Anyang's matches three times recently, speculation has arisen about the possibility of center-back Kwon Kyung-won being selected for the national team. Coach Yoo Byung-hoon praised, "Kwon Kyung-won is a valuable asset who can flexibly play in both a three-back and four-back system. In major tournaments, experience is crucial, and he has sufficient ability in that regard. I believe there is no player quite like him for the national team."

He continued with a smile, "It is a great honor for Anyang to produce a national team player. He has shown strong will to perform, even while dealing with concerns about his muscle condition."

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*This content was translated by AI.