Gwangju Manager Lee Jeong-gyu promises a comeback: "The seven-point gap is not yet insurmountable" [Incheon Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

"The seven-point gap remains."

These were the words of GwangjuFC Manager Lee Jeong-gyu.

Gwangju will face Incheon United in an away match at Incheon Football Stadium on the 16th as part of the 15th round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026.

After Manager Lee Jeong-hyo departed for Suwon Samsung, Gwangju has begun the 2026 season under Manager Lee Jeong-gyu. However, the team has found itself in a difficult situation. With multiple setbacks including injuries, Gwangju has recorded one win, four draws, and nine losses (seven points), remaining in last place (12th) in the league.

Fortunately, Gwangju will enter a break after this match, giving the team time to regroup. This could serve as a turning point. Manager Lee Jeong-gyu stated, "The seven-point gap with other teams is still manageable. We aimed to build momentum for the second half."

When asked if this meant the point gap was not significant, Manager Lee Jeong-gyu replied, "I think so," and added, "I expect the team to deliver strong performances in the second half."

Regarding the upcoming match against Incheon, he explained, "We treat every game as if it were the last and give our all. We believe we are beginning to see the direction we need to move forward."

In fact, Gwangju recently faced strong opponents in two matches: a 0-0 draw against Gangwon FC and a 0-1 loss to FC Seoul, recording one draw and one loss. Manager Lee Jeong-gyu said, "The reason for fewer goals conceded is that we analyzed each match and substituted many high school players. When opponents' stamina dropped, we maintained the same defensive approach, which led to more goals conceded. However, when those players entered the field, we adjusted their defensive positions, and it worked well."

However, veteran defender Ahn Young-gyu will not play in this match against Incheon due to injury. Gwangju will field a back four consisting of Kwon Sung-yoon, Min Sang-gi, Kim Yong-hyeok, and Ha Seung-woon. Kim Dong-hwa will guard the goal. The midfielders will be Jung Ji-hoon, Moon Min-seo, Ju Sejong, and Lee Min-ki. Forwards Friedyonsen and Ahn Hyeok-ju will start. The formation will be 4-4-2.

Manager Lee Jeong-gyu noted, "Incheon has increased their direct play. We adjusted our defensive positions accordingly. Additionally, Incheon has many capable midfielders, so we focused on how to neutralize them and how to exploit the opponent."

He further emphasized, "We instructed the players today to win this match. We believe our attacking play needs to improve."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.