'Historic-level support' turns into 'a shower of boos,' as Coach Park Geon-ha faces his former club Suwon: "It's strange... and awkward" [Suwon]

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Geon-ha, a Suwon Samsung legend and now SuwonFC head coach, vowed victory ahead of the regional derby against Suwon Samsung.

SuwonFC and Suwon will face off at 7:30 p.m. on the 15th at Suwon World Cup Stadium in the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 Round 22 match.

Coach Park Geon-ha was a Suwon legend during his playing days and has also previously coached Suwon. Before the match, speaking with reporters, he shared his feelings about returning to Big Bird as an opposing team's coach. "It's been a place I've always visited, so it feels fresh again, but coming here as a coach of another team makes me feel strange," Park said. "The route is familiar, so it felt new again, but entering the right locker room instead of the left (home team's) was awkward. There are many mixed emotions."

Suwon has earned a reputation for delivering passionate support at every match. During Coach Park Geon-ha's interview, as SuwonFC players entered the stadium, Big Bird erupted in boos aimed at the visiting team to gain early momentum. Regarding the situation of now facing Suwon's overwhelming support as an opponent after spending so long with one team, he said, "Because I stayed with one team for a long time, the atmosphere of the stadium and fans' support feel especially meaningful." He added with a smile, "But today, I believe our SuwonFC fans will give even stronger support, so we will prepare diligently."

SuwonFC has been on a steep upward trajectory recently. With four wins and three draws in their last seven matches, they remain unbeaten and have recorded 10 wins, six draws, and three losses in 19 games (36 points), closely chasing the top-ranked Suwon.

On the team's rising momentum and atmosphere, Coach Park Geon-ha stated, "Both teams have new coaches, and as time passes, their organizational aspects are gradually coming together." He continued, "As we've been playing without losing recently, the players' confidence and team morale have improved significantly compared to the start of the season. The gradual recovery of players who were physically lacking due to rushed signings is key to this positive trend."

This matchup is a pivotal game that could shake up the top standings. Currently in K League 2, Suwon (40 points) leads, followed by Seoul E-Land (37 points), SuwonFC (36 points), Busan IPark (36 points), and Hwaseong FC (35 points after 20 games). The competition is tight, with every match feeling like walking on thin ice. For SuwonFC, a victory in this derby would narrow the gap to just one point behind top-ranked Suwon, allowing them to seize control of the title race.

The two teams also contrast sharply in statistics. SuwonFC leads the league with 39 goals scored, tied with Daegu FC (20 games), while Suwon has conceded only 17 goals, the fewest in the league.

In head-to-head records, SuwonFC holds the advantage. During their 2023 encounter in K League 1, SuwonFC defeated Suwon three times with one loss, showing strong form. Earlier this year, in their first meeting in May, despite conceding an early goal, they scored three consecutive goals in the second half to secure a 3-1 comeback victory.

On comparing the flow of this match to the previous encounter, Coach Park Geon-ha remarked, "Suwon Samsung has definitely improved significantly since then." He added, "I expect a similar flow. We'll have to see once we step onto the field, but we will strive to maintain good momentum."

Regarding Suwon Samsung's surprise starter Kim Gyeol, he noted, "He is young and likely highly motivated after his transfer. Given his high activity level, it seems they decided to start him in the first half."

On plans for additional reinforcements during the transfer window, Coach Park Geon-ha said, "With many teams competing, acquiring desired players is not easy," but added, "We are keeping an eye on one or two potential targets with hope."

For today's match, SuwonFC will deploy Ha Jung-woo as the striker, supported by Jeong Seung-bae, Freejo, and Choi Ki-yoon in the second line. Lee Jae-won and Gu Bon-cheol will anchor the midfield, while Jang Young-woo, Jo Jin-woo, Lee Hyun-yong, and Seo Jae-min form the back four, with Yang Han-bin guarding the goal.

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*This content was translated by AI.