Seoul E Manager Kim Do-gyun, Seongnam's 'tight defense' breakthrough strategy: "Modified three-back + set pieces + first-half victory... First goal is crucial" [Mokdong on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Do-gyun (49), Seoul Eland manager, has deployed a modified tactical approach to break through Seongnam FC's solid defense.

Seoul Eland will face Seongnam FC in a home match at Mokdong Stadium on the 24th at 7 p.m. as part of the 13th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 2 2026'.

Seoul Eland, without a win in their last two matches (one draw, one loss), sits in fifth place with 20 points (6 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses). Seongnam, unbeaten in their last four matches (one win, three draws), holds 15 points (3 wins, 6 draws, 2 losses) and ranks 10th.

Seoul Eland's recent form has been somewhat sluggish. After defeating Gimpo FC following a loss to Hwaseong FC, they suffered a heavy defeat against Chungnam Asan and drew with Yongin FC, causing their ranking to drop to fifth. A victory in this match is essential to chase the top positions.

In a pre-match interview, Manager Kim Do-gyun cited 'declining concentration' as the cause of their recent slump. He stated, "Our recent performance itself has not been poor. However, conceding two or three goals even from limited opponent opportunities stems from a lack of focus. In particular, due to set-piece goals conceded, we showed players video footage for a week to emphasize concentration."

Seongnam boasts a remarkably solid defense, allowing only 10 goals in 11 matches this season. Although they struggle with a lack of attacking output (12 goals in 11 matches) and remain in 10th place, they are unbeaten in their last four matches (one win, three draws), making them a formidable opponent.

Manager Kim Do-gyun highlighted 'scoring the first goal in the first half' and 'set pieces' as key strategies. "Seongnam has a very strong defense, so conceding first makes the match extremely difficult. Given our advantage in aerial duels, our goal is to score in the first half using set-piece situations and lead until the end," he explained.

Tactical adjustments have also been implemented. According to Manager Kim Do-gyun, the team will primarily use a four-back formation, but Park Jae-hwan will be deployed as a left full-back to enhance defensive stability. Park Jae-yong and Jo Jun-hyun will operate as attacking midfielders, while winger Kang Hyun-je will drop deep on the flanks during defensive phases to form a five-back shape.

Regarding veteran Osamar, who has returned from injury, he said, "His physical condition has fully recovered, but we need to see if he can play the full 90 minutes," expressing confidence in the backup players.

On Baek Ji-woong, who was recently called up for Asian Games national team training, he added, "He showed good form during training, and I hope he makes the final squad," offering his support.

Manager Kim Do-gyun set a target of securing at least six points from the remaining three matches before the break. When asked whether he would prefer a 3-2 or 1-0 victory, he replied, "We just need to win. A 3-2 result might be more entertaining for fans, but I doubt Seongnam will concede three goals. We will approach the match cautiously to avoid conceding, but we will strive to score in the first half."

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

*This content was translated by AI.