"Injured Jo Young-wook to miss two and a half months": FC Seoul head coach Kim Ki-dong faces setbacks but remains calm in pursuit of second place, vowing a full-scale battle with Daejeon [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ki-dong (55), FC Seoul's head coach, has set his sights on the match against Daejeon Hana Citizen.

Seoul will host Daejeon Hana Citizen at Seoul World Cup Stadium for the 23rd round of the 'Hana Bank K League 2026' on the 15th at 7:30 p.m.

With two draws and one loss, Seoul sits atop the table with 44 points (13 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses). In contrast, Daejeon, riding a two-game winning streak, has climbed to ninth place with 26 points (6 wins, 8 draws).

Ahead of the match, head coach Kim Ki-dong addressed Seoul's goalless performance in their last two games, stating, "We instruct players to score, but goals do not come immediately." He added, "The early balance is poor due to issues such as attacking transitions from defense, quality passing, and movements into the box. These processes must be improved first."

He also expressed regret over the injury setback and outlined alternatives. According to Kim Ki-dong, key attacker Jo Young-wook has suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for approximately two and a half months.

Kim Ki-dong stated that Song Jung-beom in midfield "will play aggressively." Regarding the 'rookie' Song Jung-beom, he said, "While his performance may fluctuate, considering his experience and young age, this is a natural process. With continuous feedback, he will reduce gaps and grow into a strong player."

Ahead of the match, Daejeon head coach Hwang Sun-hong identified "the midfield battle" as the key point. On the rising Daejeon team, which has won two consecutive games, Kim Ki-dong noted, "After Masahiro's return, they have attempted many central plays. Since our last game, we have adjusted tactics to engage strongly in the center, and this approach is working well, so we will maintain it."

Although trailing by a narrow margin with recent draws, Kim Ki-dong remains unfazed. "During a season, there are moments of hesitation," he said. "Before the break, our lead was five points; now it has widened to seven points. Rather than feeling impatient, we will focus on what needs to be done."

Regarding fans who gathered to welcome the team bus ahead of the match, Kim Ki-dong expressed, "I feel very encouraged and motivated. As a coach, I feel a greater sense of weight and responsibility to perform better." He reaffirmed his determination.

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*This content was translated by AI.