"Regrettable": Incheon United Manager Yoon Jung-hwan on Kim Gun-hee's "Absence from All Four A-Matches" — "I Wished He Had Been Given at Least a Little Opportunity" [Incheon On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Yoon Jung-hwan, manager of Incheon United in the professional football K League 1, said he felt it was "regrettable" that center-back Kim Gun-hee returned from the recent four-match international window for the national team without playing a single minute.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the home match against Pohang Steelers in Round 31 of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 season, scheduled for the 9th at Incheon Football Stadium, Manager Yoon said, "All the other (called-up) players played, including the goalkeeper, but only (Kim) Gun-hee did not play."

In fact, during the four A-matches in September and October, Spain-based manager Roberto Moreno gave playing time to every player he called up except Kim Gun-hee. In the final match against Uzbekistan, he even made an unusual substitution during the game to ensure that even the goalkeeper got on the pitch, but Kim Gun-hee ultimately did not receive a chance to play.

Manager Yoon said, "As a fellow coach, I understand," while adding, "From the manager's perspective, I think friendlies are important, but since he brought several players along to evaluate them for leading Korean football, I wonder if it would have been better to give him at least some opportunity."

He added, "That way, even if a player is later left out, they can accept the decision. If he gets called up again in the future, that's one thing, but if he is dropped (without having played), isn't it too disappointing? That part seems regrettable to me."

Manager Yoon noted, "By nature, Kim Gun-hee is not the type of player to show his feelings openly. Still, he must have wanted to play deep down. He only said that he needs to perform better to get an opportunity. He needs to digest this well today and play a good match."

Regarding the match following a long international break, he stated, "There were so many injured players that we focused on rehabilitation. The players have been doing well up until now. I told them that it is time to bear fruit. The atmosphere among the players during training was excellent. Their attitude toward today's match is very good, so I have high expectations."

In response, Pohang Manager Park Tae-ha said, "The result against FC Seoul before the break was good, so the mood is positive, and we prepared to play efficiently and solidly. We focused on the one-week rest period, and over the two weeks, we concentrated on our lack of scoring power. We took time to address what has been lacking for us, working on movement in front of the goal and positional changes. The players seem to have gained confidence through training."

On the fierce race for standings at the end of the regular season, he explained, "The players are fully aware of it. I cannot tell experienced players 'let's do this' or 'let's do that.' They all know the atmosphere and understand well that they need to produce results."

Regarding Kang Min-jun, who returned after winning a gold medal at the Asian Games, Manager Park said, "Winning a gold medal at the Asian Games as a national team player is itself an honor. Since he has gained a year and a half of time, I also pray that he works as hard as possible to become an even better player."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original