Ulsan Held Back by 'Last-Place' Gwangju: Coach Lee Jung-gyu Says, "Players Showed Changed Spirit; Thanks to Fans Who Trusted Us Despite Poor Results" [Gwangju Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Following the first match after the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup break, GwangjuFC head coach Lee Jung-gyu expressed gratitude to fans after securing a draw against Ulsan HD.

Immediately after the 1-1 draw in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 16 home match against Ulsan at Gwangju World Cup Stadium on the 5th, Coach Lee Jung-gyu stated, "The players fought with spirit on the field today because fans trusted our process and supported us even when results were not favorable."

Before this match, Gwangju had managed only one win (four draws, ten losses) in 15 matches, plummeting to last place. This followed head coach Lee Jung-hyo leaving the team to take charge of Suwon Samsung, compounded by FIFA's player registration ban sanctions.

Gwangju prepared for a "comeback" during the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup break. Before the match, Coach Lee Jung-gyu confidently claimed, "We changed both our offense and defense."

In reality, Gwangju faced Ulsan throughout the match with spirited performance. After conceding an early goal in the 9th minute of the second half, they equalized within 10 minutes and engaged in intense back-and-forth play until the final moments.

Coach Lee Jung-gyu said, "I believe we showed fans a disappointing game in the first half. So, over the one-month break, we carefully prepared according to our plans. Although substitutes were limited during the match, we will prepare well for the next game over the coming week."

With FIFA's sanctions lifted, Gwangju can now sign new players. While newly joined players cannot yet participate as registration periods have not opened, they have already joined team training. The strengthened squad depth has boosted both Gwangju and Coach Lee Jung-gyu's confidence.

Coach Lee Jung-gyu stated, "We can now conduct 10-on-10 training sessions. Morale and enthusiasm have improved significantly. Veteran players are leading by example and effectively conveying tactical instructions even to foreign mercenaries. I believe fans can expect a lot from the upcoming match against Pohang Steelers."

The coach added, "Players are not lacking in skill. However, what was most difficult in the first half was having to continue with this same roster for subsequent matches. Now, we can express hope that other players will be able to participate as well."

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*This content was translated by AI.