'Three-game losing streak → Self-esteem at stake in crucial matchup' Yoo Byung-hoon, Anyang manager: "We understand the significance of the Seoul match... We must not get excited" [Anyang on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Breaking the losing streak is the top priority. Yoo Byung-hoon, manager of FCAnyang, has vowed to secure a victory against FCSeoul, which currently sits alone at the top of K League 1 and shares a historically intertwined rivalry with Anyang.

Anyang and Seoul will face off in Round 24 of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 on the 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at Anyang Stadium.

Manager Yoo Byung-hoon addressed concerns about physical fatigue following midweek Korea Cup matches when speaking to reporters before the game. "Seoul did not play in the Korea Cup during the week, so they may be in better shape, but Anyang is also fine except for two or three players," he said. "Rather than worrying about physical condition, we have focused on breaking our current losing streak in the league."

As the home team, Anyang has fallen into a three-game losing streak in K League 1 and urgently needs to turn things around. Starting with a 1-3 loss to Ulsan HD on the 2nd, they suffered consecutive defeats against Daejeon Hana Citizen (1-2) and Jeju SK (0-2). However, they managed to break their slump with a 2-1 victory over Jeju in the Korea Cup match on the 19th. While rotation was used to manage the stamina of key players, the tight schedule immediately following midweek matches has made physical strain unavoidable.

Regarding the unstable offensive and defensive balance during the three-game losing streak, Yoo said, "During the losing streak, plays that naturally unfolded in our attack began to lose synchronization, slowing down our tempo. As a result, we allowed many counterattacks from opponents." He added, "We showed players video clips of their successful moments, and yesterday's training focused heavily on defense. Anyang is always a team where strong defense enables effective offense, so we invested significant time in pressing and response strategies."

Head-to-head records between the two teams remain closely contested. This season, they drew 1-1 in April and 0-0 in May, failing to decide either match. Last year's record was also evenly matched at one win, one draw, and one loss for each side.

The rivalry is further intensified by historical context. After Seoul's predecessor club relocated its base from Anyang to Seoul in 2004, Anyang football fans led the movement to establish a civic club, resulting in the founding of FCAnyang in 2013. Consequently, matches between these two teams are not just about securing three points but also about defending self-esteem.

Commenting on the upcoming match against Seoul, Manager Yoo Byung-hoon emphasized, "The players fully understand what this match means for the club and its fans. Rather than letting emotions take over, maintaining control is more important. If everyone's attention turns to excitement or impatience, the outcome could suffer. On the field, we must operate with calmness. Maintaining a balanced offensive and defensive structure from start to finish is crucial."

For today's match, Anyang will deploy Ailton, Kim Woon, and Chae Hyun-woo as the front three, with Knezevic, Kim Jung-hyun, and Mateus in midfield. Kim Dong-jin, Kwon Kyung-won, Lee Chang-yong, and Kang Ji-hoon will form the back four, while Kim Jeong-hun guards the goal. According to club officials, Yuki has suffered a left groin injury, and Elkurano is expected to be out for three to four weeks. Lee Tae-hee has also been sidelined due to injury.

Manager Yoo expressed regret over the string of injuries among key attackers. "Yuki and Elkurano are out due to injuries. As a manager, I failed to manage them properly," he said. "Kim Woon will rotate into Elkurano's position, and Ailton, who is not yet at 100% physical condition, must be managed carefully. We hope for strong performances from Choi Geon-ju and Chae Hyun-woo."

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*This content was translated by AI.