'07-born rookie debut red card' → Coach Lee Jung-hyo smiles: "Just pay the fine... Consider it a victory bonus" [Suwon]

*This content was translated by AI.

Suwon Samsung overcame a crisis with the veteran's dedication and the rookie's debut red card, securing a valuable three points. Coach Lee Jung-hyo praised the players who turned adversity into opportunity.

On the 4th at 7:30 p.m., Suwon defeated Seongnam FC 1-0 in their Hana Bank K League2 Round 16 home match at Suwon World Cup Stadium, thanks to Kang Hyun-muk's first-half 21st-minute winning goal.

Suwon faced a numerical disadvantage for nearly an hour after promising 2007-born center-back Mo Kyung-bin received his second yellow card and was sent off in the 33rd minute of the first half on debut. Nevertheless, they held their lead to match Busan IPark at the top of the table in points.

In a post-match press conference, Coach Lee Jung-hyo said, "We worked hard during the World Cup break to change our team culture. What I felt today is that the players are dedicating themselves for the team. I was certain they were changing not out of cowardice on the field but for their teammates and fans. They showed a professional mindset." He shared his thoughts on the victory.

The central figure who experienced both joy and heart-stopping moments today was defender Mo Kyung-bin, who made a surprise debut start. Although he displayed energetic defense early in the match, he received a second caution for delaying play in the middle of the first half and was sent off. It was a moment that could have caused significant harm to the young player's career.

Regarding Mo Kyung-bin's sending-off, Coach Lee said, "I worried a lot whether this incident would cause him too much frustration as he grows." However, he added, "Fortunately, I think this match will become an opportunity for Mo Kyung-bin to grow one step further. It seems his teammates created the driving force for his growth by playing on the field in his place. That is today's biggest. I am proud and relieved that the players fought as a team." He expressed his gratitude.

When asked what he told Mo Kyung-bin after the match, Coach Lee Jung-hyo delivered his signature witty yet sharp joke. The coach said, "According to team rules, a fine must be paid. I want to tell him to pay it," then smiled and added, "Still, winning on debut is never easy for a player. I truly want to congratulate him. He can consider the fine as if he received a victory bonus." He warmly embraced his student.

In the crisis situation, veteran Hong Jeong-ho filled Mo Kyung-bin's absence immediately after the second half began. Originally, since this was his comeback from injury, the coach intended to strictly limit his playing time, but due to the numerical disadvantage, he was brought on earlier. Coach Lee explained, "To see a long race through, bringing Hong Jeong-ho in early could cause problems, so I planned to have him play only about 30 minutes today. After the first half ended, I asked Hong Jeong-ho about his condition and felt strongly that he was willing to dedicate himself for the team. Thanks to this, the young players received great energy and held on until the end. Hong Jeong-ho proved why he is a veteran with his class." He offered high praise.

Regarding the scene in the 28th minute of the second half where Hong Jeong-ho advanced toward the goal and attempted a shot that missed, Coach Lee said, "He went up on his own judgment." He then joked, "Fortunately, the match ended with a 1-0 victory, so that moment will become an interesting clip to tease him about for a long time. Everyone will enjoy it."

Coach Lee Jung-hyo cited high-intensity training during the break as the secret behind Suwon's sharp attacking play despite being down a man. He explained, "For three weeks straight, we endured difficult training programs focused on how to create space and score goals in the final third. Although the purpose was to score goals, it was also a program that included defensive training."

He further added, "Even when tired, the players diligently followed the practice, which created strong bonds within the team. We researched defense from the ground up, going through video meetings and feedback countless times. Thanks to the analysis team and coaching staff preparing excellently for the Seongnam match, we were able to deliver a good performance." He credited his staff.

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*This content was translated by AI.