'First 9 consecutive wins for the club, first loss in 92 days' Coach Jung Kyung-ho: "It is entirely my responsibility... I am sorry we could not win" [Anyang]

*This content was translated by AI.

After failing to challenge for the club's first 10-game unbeaten run, Gangwon FC head coach Jung Kyung-ho expressed regret over the loss and apologized to fans, taking full responsibility for the defeat.

On the afternoon of the 26th at 7:30 p.m., Gangwon lost 1-2 in an away match against FC Anyang at Anyang Stadium in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 20.

As a result, Gangwon, which had been on its first-ever 9-game unbeaten streak (5 wins, 4 draws), suffered its first loss in 10 games and remains in third place in the league with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses (32 points). Meanwhile, Anyang, which gained three points, moved up to fifth place with 7 wins, 9 draws, and 4 losses (30 points), intensifying the battle for the top positions.

Gangwon's last defeat came a full 92 days ago. Since losing 1-2 to FC Seoul on April 25, the team had steadily accumulated points over nine matches but was held back in the away game against Anyang, leaving them with lingering regret.

In the post-match press conference, Coach Jung Kyung-ho opened by saying, "Despite being an away game, many fans came to support us, and I am sorry we could not secure a victory. As a head coach, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility."

Gangwon started off chaotically, conceding the opening goal just three minutes into the match when Yuki's backpass found Choi Geon-ju for a strike. Although Gangwon pushed forward aggressively and Shin Min-ha headed the ball into the net in the 31st minute of the first half, the goal was disallowed following a video assistant referee (VAR) review that called a goalkeeper charging foul. Missing the chance to equalize, Gangwon then conceded an additional goal from El Kurano's high header off a free kick in the 36th minute of the first half, causing them to waver.

Struggling against Anyang's physical defense and the saves by goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon, Gangwon attempted a late comeback when Abu Dallah scored on a cross from Kim Dae-won just before the final whistle, but ultimately failed to close the two-goal gap.

Coach Jung Kyung-ho stated, "We had maintained our first-ever 9-game unbeaten streak and there was a positive atmosphere within the team. Although it was a difficult away game, we faced an unsettled situation early on and conceded goals due to simple mistakes. Gangwon also created scoring opportunities, and penalties were disallowed by VAR, leaving us with significant regrets." He added, "The loss is entirely my responsibility as head coach. I will reflect deeply to deliver the best possible performance in the next match."

When asked about the reasons for their struggles, he pointed to the new attacking combinations and the early goal conceded. Coach Jung explained, "The attacking lineup was new, so there were parts we were not yet familiar with. However, it was not a structural issue." He continued, "Conceding an early goal prevented us from gaining control of the game, and in that unsettled atmosphere, we even conceded from a free kick. That part is particularly regrettable."

He also made it clear that he intends to use this rare defeat as a learning opportunity. Coach Jung said, "During a season, you cannot avoid losing matches. I hope this loss becomes a tonic for both the players and myself. While the defeat is painful, it should not be only painful. We will recover well and prepare thoroughly to perform better in the next match."

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*This content was translated by AI.