'Taking full responsibility for the comeback loss,' Hwang Sun-hong coach: "It was all my tactical error, I apologize to the players"... Admits 'tactical blunder' [Sangam]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hwang Sun-hong (58), head coach of Daejeon Hana Citizen, took full responsibility for the defeat himself.

On the 15th at 7:30 p.m., Daejeon suffered a 2-4 comeback loss in an away match against FC Seoul at Seoul World Cup Stadium as part of the 'Hana Bank K League 2026' Round 23.

Daejeon's two-game winning streak ended, leaving them in ninth place with 26 points (6 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses). Meanwhile, Seoul, who finished their three-game unbeaten run (2 draws, 1 loss), maintained the top spot with 47 points (14 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses), holding a 10-point lead over second-place Ulsan HD.

Daejeon controlled the match during the first half and took an early lead in the 38th minute when Ju Min-gyu converted a pass from Kang Yun-seong into the box with a spectacular overhead kick. Although they conceded an equalizer to Krimala early in the second half, a stroke of luck came in the form of a Kim Jin-soo own goal, allowing Daejeon to regain the lead. Goalkeeper Lee Chang-geun's subsequent saves seemed to secure the victory.

However, Daejeon could not withstand Seoul's relentless attack in the final stages of the match. In the 35th minute of the second half, they conceded a header equalizer from Song Min-gyu from their defensive line, and just three minutes later, allowed another goal from Song Min-gyu, leading to an immediate comeback loss for Daejeon. They then conceded a decisive goal from Jeong Seung-won in stoppage time of the second half.

After the match, Coach Hwang Sun-hong bowed his head during the press conference, stating, "This was a game where I made many mistakes. I feel deeply sorry to the players and fans," and added, "The tactical changes and other factors today were entirely blunders."

Daejeon attempted a decisive move early in the second half by switching to a three-back formation and making three simultaneous substitutions, but it ultimately failed. Coach Hwang Sun-hong explained, "We were losing control of the game, so we used a five-back system to strengthen our defense. We tried to adjust the defensive numbers while playing with four defenders, but we couldn't control the half-spaces or wide areas effectively. Even though we had the right number of players, we still lost possession, which was disappointing."

He continued, "I also wondered if it would have been better to maintain a four-back system and play man-to-man defense. We made early substitutions to maintain energy levels, but it didn't work smoothly. The difference in performance between the first and second halves is regrettable," he admitted.

Finally, Coach Hwang Sun-hong emphasized again, "I hope our players do not lose courage. Today was entirely my mistake." He added, "Considering the upcoming midweek Korea Cup matches and league fixtures, we will consider rotation to allow for player recovery and the return of injured players."

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*This content was translated by AI.