'Return match with Anyang in just four days,' JejuSK Coach Sergio Costa: "I firmly believe in players who haven't had many chances" — Korea Cup win streak pledge [On-site report from Anyang]

*This content was translated by AI.

Sergio Costa (53), head coach of JejuSK, vowed to go all out ahead of the return match against FC Anyang.

Jeju will face Anyang in a 16th-round Korea Cup match at 7:30 p.m. on the 19th at Anyang Stadium as part of the "2026~2027 Hana Bank Korea Cup."

This matchup comes just four days after Jeju secured a 2-0 victory in their K League 1 Round 23 clash on the 15th.

Ahead of the match, Coach Costa drew a clear line, stating that the previous win would have no impact on today's game. He said, "This match against Anyang will be completely different from our last encounter. Players who had limited playing time will take the field, but they are physically fully prepared and capable of meeting the intensity the team requires. I trust them."

He also emphasized his serious attitude toward the Korea Cup. Coach Costa noted, "Our squad size is currently small, so everyone except two players accompanied us on this trip. Based on our physically prepared players, we will approach the cup tournament with great seriousness."

Regarding their unbeaten run of nine consecutive matches (four wins and five draws) since the break, including the Korea Cup, Coach Costa maintained a calm stance. He stated, "We cannot change the past. We must fight for three points in every match and stay focused. If we do not forget the journey we have taken to reach this point and maintain our team's ambition, we can continue achieving positive results."

He also expressed high expectations for striker Choi Byung-wook, who made it into today's starting lineup. Coach Costa said, "Although he has scored few goals this season, he has been a valuable option off the bench and even recorded important assists. His direct playing style is an asset, and his weakness in moving between lines has improved significantly. He is a player I firmly believe in and like."

He also dismissed concerns about physical fatigue from the long travel distance involving flights and KTX transfers from Jeju to Anyang. Coach Costa asserted, "Fatigue cannot be used as an excuse. This travel schedule was anticipated in advance, and we managed fatigue through close collaboration with our medical team. The long away trip will not affect the result."

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*This content was translated by AI.