Daejeon Hwang Sun-hong manager lets out a deep sigh: "I am only sorry to the fans and feel an infinite sense of responsibility" [Daejeon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

"What should I say..."

Hwang Sun-hong, manager of Daejeon Hana Citizen in K League 1, let out a deep sigh. This was at the press conference immediately following the 1-2 loss to FC Seoul in the 15th round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 held at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on the 16th. With this defeat, Daejeon has fallen into a slump of four consecutive matches without a win (one draw, three losses), including a recent three-game losing streak. Their home record without a win has now extended to eight matches (three draws, five losses) since the season opener.

As Daejeon was once again highlighted as a championship contender before the season, the current results are even more bitter. With only 16 points (four wins, four draws, seven losses), Daejeon finds itself in a disappointing ninth-place standing as it heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup break for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Manager Hwang Sun-hong reflected, "We are facing the same problems repeatedly. It seems our confidence has dropped significantly."

In fact, on this day, Daejeon, trailing 0-1, saw Jeong Jae-hee score an equalizer in the 24th minute of the second half, greatly boosting the team's morale. They launched a relentless offensive push in search of a go-ahead goal. However, efforts to capitalize were repeatedly thwarted, including Park Gyu-hyun's long-range shot being saved by the goalkeeper. Ultimately, they conceded a decisive goal from a single set-piece late in the second half and hung their heads in defeat.

Manager Hwang Sun-hong stated, "In the first half, we lacked confidence, which led to poor connections. When the situation called for a go-ahead goal, we ended up conceding instead. It seems there are psychological difficulties." He added, "I am only sorry to the fans. I feel an infinite sense of responsibility."

Given that the disappointing flow continued from the first half, the importance of the seven-week World Cup break has become even greater.

Manager Hwang Sun-hong said, "The focus must be on our attacking power. We are reviewing data and various factors, and we have already found some answers. There is a need for several improvements in our attacking aspects. It seems we should focus more on tactics and balance rather than new signings."

He further added, "It is important to maintain control in the second half through tactical changes and other adjustments, keeping hope alive for a comeback. We need to make improvements during the break to prepare for the second half of the season."

With today's match concluded, Daejeon has entered the World Cup break. Their next match is an away game against Bucheon FC on July 4.

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*This content was translated by AI.