'Answering Rumors of Departure to China' Coach Kim Ki-dong: "Priority Is Always Seoul"... On Re-signing Question, "I Want to Stay for 10 More Years" — Showcasing Love for Sangam [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ki-dong (55), FC Seoul's head coach, shared his thoughts on the thrilling comeback victory.

On the 15th at 7:30 p.m., Seoul secured a 4-2 comeback win against Daejeon Hana Citizen in the 23rd round of the 'Hana Bank K League 2026' home match held at Seoul World Cup Stadium, thanks to Song Min-gyu's late multi-goal performance.

After ending their three-game unbeaten streak (two draws and one loss), Seoul maintained first place with 47 points (14 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses), leading second-place Ulsan HD by 10 points. Meanwhile, Daejeon, whose two-game winning streak ended, sat in ninth place with 26 points (6 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses).

Seoul trailed 0-1 at halftime but equalized in the third minute of the second half when Clemerla converted a deflected cross from Kim Jin-soo that struck an opposing defender's face. Later, during Seoul's sustained pressure, they faced another crisis in the 17th minute after Kim Jin-soo made a critical header back-pass error leading to an own goal. However, Seoul's resilience shone through in the final moments of the match.

In the 35th minute of the second half, Song Min-gyu scored an equalizing header from Kim Jin-soo's cross, erasing the regret of his own goal. Just three minutes later, after receiving a pass from Moon Seon-min, Song Min-gyu struck the go-ahead goal, instantly turning the tide. With momentum firmly in their grasp, Seoul added Jeong Seung-won's late strike during stoppage time to seal the comeback victory.

In his post-match press conference, Coach Kim Ki-dong said, "While the team's atmosphere wasn't exactly in crisis, it was somewhat sluggish. However, I felt the players had a strong will to overcome this challenge, so I wasn't overly worried." He added, "We managed to create a foundation for overcoming adversity and climbing back up in such an important match. I want to express my pride and congratulations to the players."

He further explained, "In the first half, we needed to turn and develop play from the pocket (half-space), but by constantly shifting to the wings, we made it too easy for our opponents. After conceding a goal, we brought on Moon Seon-min and Song Min-gyu, instructing them to operate between the pockets while the opponent dropped deep, encouraging aggressive forward movement. They successfully found that path, controlled the flow of the game, and scored."

Regarding Kim Jin-soo's critical own goal situation, Coach Kim said, "After conceding a lead due to an own goal, I briefly thought, 'Things might not go our way,' but soon saw the players rallying around Song Min-gyu, loudly encouraging him with words like, 'If you can't overcome this today, we won't win the championship.' Their positive attitude was inspiring."

On Song Min-gyu, the multi-goal hero, he praised, "Since the World Cup break, he must have struggled with declining fitness and lingering injuries. Yet, he delivered an excellent performance upon returning to the field. For the team to play more steadily, it is essential that Min-gyu regains his form."

Although leading by 10 points in the race for the championship, giving them a favorable position, Coach Kim Ki-dong remained cautious. When asked about the title challenge, he stated, "I don't want to talk about winning the championship just yet. We must continue doing what we need to do in every match." He emphasized, "Even when difficulties arise, we need the ability to draw points during tough times and secure three points when conditions are favorable."

He also clarified his stance on recent rumors of a move to China and his contract renewal for next year. Upon hearing the questions, Coach Kim burst into laughter and said, "I love Seoul and want to stay here. FC Seoul is always my top priority. Even if asked to coach here for 10 years, I would happily do so. While waiting for the club's decision, I will faithfully carry out my duties."

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*This content was translated by AI.