'Kim Hyun starts, Carius warms up' Seoul I'Land coach Kim Do-gyun, aiming for a leap to the upper ranks with new team Yongin as target: "Hot weather, controlling the tempo is key" [Mokdong Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Do-gyun (49), Seoul I'Land coach, expressed his determination to face the 'new team' Yongin FC.

Seoul I'Land will play a home match against Yongin at Mokdong Stadium's main field on the 16th (Saturday) in the 12th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 2 2026'.

Seoul I'Land sits in third place with 19 points (6 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses), while Yongin is in 14th place with 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses).

Having suffered a decisive defeat in the previous match against Chungnam Asan due to set-piece and penalty kick goals conceded, Seoul I'Land is in a situation where three points are more urgent than ever. In particular, expectations are high for Seoul I'Land's 'new team killer' instinct. The team has shown a strong face against new teams, such as in the first matchup against Hwaseong last season and the Paju match in the 7th round of this season.

Coach Kim Do-gyun, who met before the match, identified the 'physical battle' in the hot weather as the key to the game. He said, "It seems the weather will have a huge impact on physical condition rather than the weather itself." He added, "While the opposing Yongin fields veteran players like Shin Jin-ho and Im Chae-min, our team is mainly composed of relatively young players. We should be better in terms of mobility and activity volume," expressing confidence.

However, he warned against rashness. Coach Kim Do-gyun emphasized, "If we rush with the thought that we must win, we could be hit by counterattacks. We will clearly distinguish between when to control the tempo and when to push forward aggressively, and operate the game carefully."

Kim Hyun, who has been active as a second-half joker, will start in the front line. Coach Kim Do-gyun explained, "Park Jae-yong looked a bit tired in terms of activity and pressure in the last two or three matches. Kim Hyun can play a sufficient role in the first half, and since he has not yet scored his first goal, we expect him to score as well."

Confidence in the returning foreign striker Carius was also firm. Coach Kim Do-gyun said, "Considering that he broke a long 10-month gap and made his first appearance in the last match, it was not bad. He is currently in the stage of improving his match fitness and physical condition. After the World Cup break in June, he will definitely show an improved form."

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*This content was translated by AI.