"Not like a No. 1 team," Coach Lee Young-min speaks his mind... Regrets over Seoul's match management

*This content was translated by AI.

"Not like a No. 1 team."

Lee Young-min, head coach of Bucheon FC, made a candid remark regarding FC Seoul's match management.

Bucheon lost to Seoul 1-3 in their 18th-round home match at the Bucheon Stadium on the 19th as part of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 season.

As a result, Bucheon's unbeaten streak over their last four matches (one win and three draws) came to an end. The team's record in the league now stands at four wins, seven draws, and seven losses, accumulating 19 points, placing them 10th.

Although the score was 1-3, the match itself was not one-sided. Bucheon fought fiercely against the league-leading Seoul despite facing several setbacks.

Bucheon trailed 0-2 by halftime. In the second half, an unexpected incident occurred when starting goalkeeper Kim Hyung-geun collided with an opposing player and had to be carried off on a stretcher.

However, Bucheon did not give up. They sparked a comeback in the 18th minute of the second half with a goal by Kim Sang-jun and continued to press Seoul's goal. The intensity was such that after the match, Seoul coach Kim Ki-dong remarked, "This Bucheon match was the most tense game I've played this year."

Bucheon ultimately collapsed when they conceded a decisive goal from Seoul attacker Klemala in stoppage time of the second half. Nevertheless, Coach Lee Young-min did not hesitate to praise his players for fighting until the end.

After the match, Coach Lee said, "I feel sorry to the fans who gave us so much support during our first home game since the break," but added, "It would have been better if we had won, but I believe the players fulfilled their assigned tasks well as prepared."

Fortunately, Kim Hyung-geun avoided a serious injury. The coach explained that he was suffering from mild concussion symptoms.

Bucheon is a team known for its high work rate and aggressive pressing. While this style can place a heavy physical burden on players during hot summer months, Coach Lee expressed little concern.

He stated, "Since we play a high-intensity game, players may struggle in the summer, but I believe we can manage effectively with sufficient rotation. There is no need for worry at this stage."

However, he did offer his candid opinion on Seoul's match management style. Coach Lee remarked, "Seoul has many veterans and talented players. We should learn from their ability to disrupt the flow of the game."

He continued, "At the same time, I wondered if it was necessary for them to receive warnings while rotating players on the bench," emphasizing that "it did not look like a No. 1 team's performance."

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*This content was translated by AI.