'Draw with bottom-ranked Gwangju' Coach Kim Hyun-seok: "Prepared elements during the break came out well; we will achieve good results starting from the next match" [Gwangju]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Hyun-seok, Ulsan HD coach, could not hide his disappointment over the draw against GwangjuFC in the first match after the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup break, yet he expressed confidence that "we will be able to achieve good results starting from the next match."

Coach Kim Hyun-seok evaluated the 1-1 draw in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 16 away match against Gwangju at Gwangju World Cup Stadium on the 5th, stating, "While not 100%, about 70–80% of the organized play we trained for was implemented in this game."

Ulsan prepared for the second half of the season through overseas training camps and other activities during the World Cup break starting from mid-May. Today's match against Gwangju was Ulsan's first game after the break. Despite Yago scoring the opening goal in the 9th minute of the second half, Ulsan conceded an equalizer to Moon Min-seo in the 19th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The opponent was the league's bottom-ranked team, having managed only one win in their previous 15 matches.

Coach Kim Hyun-seok reflected, "I thought this could be a difficult match as it was our first game after the break. We dedicated time during the break to address defensive issues and conducted extensive organizational training. Football seems to develop vulnerabilities and collapse if players do not cover enough ground."

He continued, "Players executed attacks smoothly using pockets both in terms of pressing and build-up play. Since about 70–80% of the organized play we trained for was implemented, I believe we can achieve good results starting from the next match. Although the game ended in a draw, it was a tough contest for the players."

Coach Kim Hyun-seok explained, "Looking at global football trends, I think there are two distinct patterns: weaker teams counterattack using Roblox, while stronger teams score by utilizing high pressing. We believe that regardless of the opponent, inducing turnovers through high pressing will make scoring easier."

He added, "During the break, we prepared extensively for high pressing while also conducting parallel defensive organizational training. Football allows for conceding goals; if players' balance or organization falters even once, it can lead to a goal conceded. We need to review this, but overall, I think the elements we prepared during the break came out well in today's match."

Ulsan's next match is the "Hyundai Derby" against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, a crucial showdown that could determine the race for the top positions. Coach Kim Hyun-seok stated, "(The newly signed) Thomas will be evaluated through training next week to decide whether he will be deployed in the upcoming match or the one after. We need to observe his training progress. It is also possible we may face Jeonbuk with only the current squad."

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*This content was translated by AI.