"(He) has grown a lot," former coach Kim Ki-dong praises... Pohang's star striker Lee Ho-jae "skills fully blossomed, doesn't lose the ball easily, shooting improved" [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ki-dong (55), FC Seoul head coach, expressed satisfaction with Lee Ho-jae (26), who has grown into Pohang Steelers' star striker.

Seoul will play a home match against Pohang Steelers at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 22nd at 7:30 p.m. in Round 19 of "Hana Bank K League 1 2026."

Seoul, currently unbeaten in five matches (four wins, one draw), leads the table with 39 points (12 wins, three draws, three losses). Pohang sits fifth with 28 points (eight wins, four draws, six losses).

Before the match, Coach Kim Ki-dong said, "The schedule is tight and the weather is hot, so players are struggling, but it's still less hot than in southern regions." He added, "The World Cup has made the schedule tighter, leading to this situation, which is why people talk about a spring-autumn season."

If Seoul secures more than a draw today and gains additional points, they will become the first of the 12th K League 1 2026 clubs to reach 40 points. This would further solidify their top position by widening the gap with second-place Gangwon FC (31 points) and third-place Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (29 points).

Regarding Pohang's tactics, Coach Kim Ki-dong analyzed, "They have a pattern similar to Gangwon: kicking long balls forward and targeting falling second balls." He explained, "However, while Gangwon usually relies on the goalkeeper for kicks, Pohang uses central defenders or midfielders to initiate play." He further noted, "Pohang has many tall players, so winning aerial duels and securing second balls will be key to the outcome."

A clash between the two teams' star attackers is also expected. Seoul relies on Krimala, who has contributed six goals and one assist in 15 matches this season, making him the team's top scorer. Krimala broke his three-month goal drought with a goal and an assist in last round's away match against Bucheon FC1995 (3-1 win). In response, Pohang will deploy Lee Ho-jae, who ranks second in league scoring with eight goals, at the forefront.

Having previously coached Lee Ho-jae directly, Coach Kim Ki-dong remarked, "(He) has grown a lot," bringing smiles to those present. He continued, "His confidence has clearly risen, and his skills have fully blossomed. Unlike before, he no longer loses possession easily; his ability to judge where headers will land and his shooting timing have improved dramatically. He is definitely someone we must guard against." He simultaneously expressed praise and caution.

On managing the stamina of key players, Coach Kim Ki-dong warned of an all-out effort. He stated, "The schedule leading up to this Pohang match and the upcoming Ulsan match is tight, so our main players are likely to continue playing." He added, "However, during the Korea Cup schedule, we will have a chance to rest completely, so we plan to focus more on the upcoming league matches."

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*This content was translated by AI.