"K League 1 Level": Nusu Paju Manager Fends Off Seoul E-Land's Relentless Assault, "Pleased to Be Overturning the Bottom-Finish Prediction" [Mokdong On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Gerard Nusu (41), manager of Paju Frontier, expressed satisfaction with the away draw.

On the 23rd at 7:30 p.m., Paju drew 1-1 against Seoul E-Land in the 23rd round of "Hana Bank K League 2 2026" held at Mokdong Stadium.

With two consecutive matches without defeat (one win, one draw), Paju secured 25 points (7 wins, 4 draws, 11 losses) and moved to 11th place. Seoul E-Land, with 41 points (12 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses), climbed one spot from third to second.

Throughout the match, Paju successfully defended against Seoul E-Land's relentless attacks thanks to goalkeeper Ryu Won-woo's consecutive saves. Immediately after the second half began, Paju applied high pressing in the front line, forcing an error by Baek Ji-woong. Lee Je-ho capitalized on the mistake to score the opening goal. Although they conceded an equalizer in the 14th minute of the second half through Park Jae-yong and failed to maintain their lead, they maintained focus in front of the goal until the final whistle, repelled the offensive pressure, and secured a valuable point.

After the match, Manager Nusu stated in a press conference, "Seoul E-Land is a team with K League 1-level quality. We fought fiercely against such an opponent and earned an important point." He added, "This result shows how well our club has grown."

Explaining the reason for his roar immediately after the match ended, Nusu said, "It's because a team that is only nine months into its existence and operates on the league's smallest budget managed to secure results against strong opponents." He continued, "I am proud of the players who sacrificed themselves to the bone to earn points." He further added, "I am very pleased that we are overturning the pre-season prediction of finishing at the bottom of the standings."

He also praised the players for effectively implementing tactical changes. Manager Nusu emphasized, "As we try various tactics, the players are absorbing them broadly and earning deserved points. We must continue to develop in this direction."

Regarding Lee Je-ho, who scored the opening goal, Nusu jokingly said, "I'm angry that he only managed to score one goal today," indirectly expressing his trust in the player.

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*This content was translated by AI.