Two-time consecutive scoring champion, now relegated to 'joker' role... "I want to start" — Mo Go-sa reveals his true feelings in Incheon [Incheon on the ground]

*This content was translated by AI.

"I think it's more fitting for me to start."

Recently, Mo Go-sa (34) of his team, Incheon United, has taken on a greater role as a joker rather than a starter, but he expressed his desire to start matches. Of course, as a player, he naturally respects the coach's decision, yet he also revealed his wish as an athlete who has already proven himself in the K League — to be guaranteed more playing time.

On the 16th, after the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 23 home match against Kim Cheon (SVP) at Incheon Football Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, Mo Go-sa met with reporters and addressed questions about his reduced playing time recently: "I think it's more fitting for me to start. I have already proven my quality on the highest stage."

In fact, Mo Go-sa had firmly established himself as a regular starter this season, starting in all of the first eight matches of the season and appearing in 11 out of the first 12 matches. During that period, he even delivered outstanding performances, including seven consecutive attacking points in the opening seven games. However, after being sidelined due to an injury in early May, he was pushed into a joker role starting from July when play resumed following the 2026 FIFA World Cup break for North America and Central America. Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan has made Ferrier and Lee Chung-yong his primary striking duo at the front, while Mo Go-sa is mainly brought on in the second half. In the last seven matches, Mo Go-sa was substituted into play in no fewer than six of them.

The timing of his substitutions has also been inconsistent. On this day against Gimcheon, he was brought on in the 9th minute of the second half. There were also matches where he entered right at the start of the second half, and others where he came on only in the final minutes, such as the 41st or 42nd minute. While it's undeniable that Ferrier and Lee Chung-yong, who have newly established themselves as the starting striking duo, have performed well, this trend must have been painful for Mo Go-sa personally.

Mo Go-sa explained, "I have won the scoring title for two consecutive years. I am also competing for the scoring title this year." Indeed, Mo Go-sa was named K League 1's top scorer in the 2024 season and K League 2's top scorer the following year. This season, with his goal against Gimcheon today, he recorded nine goals total, tying for second place in the scoring race. This is the background behind Mo Go-sa's confidence when he says, "I have proven my quality on the highest stage."

Nevertheless, Mo Go-sa emphasized, "Whether I start or sit on the bench, the decision lies with the coach. And I respect that decision." It is not just Mo Go-sa but every player who wants to play more minutes; he too feels the same way. However, he also made it clear that whether starting or coming off the bench, he will naturally respect the head coach's decision.

Mo Go-sa said, "Whether I play one minute, two minutes, 45 minutes, or 90 minutes, I am a player who gives his all." He added, "The fans know and appreciate my love and dedication to the club. That is why I can play harder in Incheon." He continued with a smile, "Going forward, whether it's one minute or 90 minutes, I will give my best at every moment. But if I get more playing time, I think I can score even more goals."

It is welcome news that Mo Go-sa's scoring momentum, which had briefly stalled, is now on an upward curve. In fact, in the first seven matches of the season, he showed a formidable presence with seven goals and one assist. After a brief dip due to injury before and after his return, he scored two goals in the last three matches, turning the tide. Today, despite some regret over a disallowed goal, he managed to break through the net himself and score a valuable opening goal.

Mo Go-sa said, "Regarding the disallowed goal, I must follow and respect the referee's decision. It's not the first time my goals have been disallowed, nor is it rare. In fact, a disallowed goal can serve as motivation." He added, "Today, I felt my body was ready, and I played with confidence that I could score. The fans gave me so much support, which made it meaningful. The regret over the disallowed goal lasted only about 10 seconds. For ten years, I have fought with a strong mentality. What matters is moving forward."

Mo Go-sa further said, "I am grateful to the Incheon fans and always thankful to my teammates who support me. Today was unfortunate due to bad luck, but I believe our team is always moving in a good direction." He added, "Today, through a good process, we reached a good finish. I think we are heading in the right direction. Scoring a goal in front of so many fans today is something I am proud of."

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*This content was translated by AI.