'Seoul Away Sweep + Two-Game Losing Streak' Pohang Coach Park Tae-ha: "Players Gave Their Best, But Defensive Mistakes Are Regrettable... Sorry to Fans" [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Tae-ha (58), Pohang Steelers head coach, bowed his head after the away defeat.

On the 22nd at 7:30 p.m., Pohang suffered a decisive 1-3 loss to Seoul in an away match of Round 19 of 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026' held at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

With two consecutive losses, Pohang remains in fifth place with 28 points (8 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses). Despite a desperate need for a turnaround, Pohang failed to gain additional points and missed the opportunity to leap into the upper standings. Meanwhile, Seoul continued its unstoppable run of six games without defeat (5 wins, 1 draw), leading the table with 42 points (13 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses). The gap between Seoul and second-place Gangwon FC is a staggering 10 points.

After conceding an early goal to Cleymara in the first half, Pohang introduced Jo Sang-hyuk and Wanderson at the start of the second half to change their attacking approach. As a result, in the 11th minute of the second half, Tranžiskas connected with Ki Sung-yueng's cross from a corner kick with a skillful header to equalize and reset the scoreline. However, defensive concentration quickly wavered, allowing Seoul's Jung Seung-won to score twice, resulting in a painful comeback defeat.

After the match, head coach Park Tae-ha said, "Although the result was a loss, the players gave their best until the end." He added, "Even in circumstances where we were not fully prepared, I believe they did their utmost. Since we ultimately lost, I am sorry to the away fans who traveled such a long distance."

Regarding the noticeable drop in physical condition during the second half, Park noted, "The weather may have had some influence," but emphasized, "More regrettable than any physical issues is our inability to score additional goals."

On the second and third goals conceded due to an inability to handle pressure in defense, Park expressed deep disappointment. He stated, "The first goal was created by the opponent, but the second and third were unforced errors from our own side that we should not have allowed. Despite having time to respond, there were many instances where we failed to do so, which is very regrettable."

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*This content was translated by AI.