“Dramatic Final A berth”: Manager Yoon Jung-hwan, “We played the match of our lives; a challenge for the ACL is well within reach” [On-site in Incheon]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Manager Yoon Jung-hwan of Incheon United, who led his team to a dramatic qualification for the Final A group (upper split) in the final regular season match, said, “Rather than being satisfied with this, we will revise our goals to aim higher and prepare well.”

After securing a spot in Final A with a 3-1 victory over Jeju SK in Round 33 of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 at Incheon Football Stadium on the 24th, Manager Yoon Jung-hwan smiled and said, “I told the players it was ‘the match of their lives’ because we had never experienced a game like this under Navy Headquarters. I was very nervous. We were able to find our strength thanks to the support from the supporters.”

On this day, Incheon defeated Jeju 3-1 to record 46 points (12 wins, 10 draws, 11 losses), overtaking Jeju on goal difference (Incheon 43 goals, Jeju 39 goals) to finish sixth and secure the last spot in Final A. This marks the ninth time a promoted team has advanced to Final A in its first season.

Manager Yoon Jung-hwan said, “I am grateful for the support from many fans before the match, and I congratulate you all. In terms of gameplay, we addressed the shortcomings from our previous match against Gangwon FC and approached this game accordingly. The players moved very well.” He added, “Although the atmosphere dipped after conceding a goal following our own scoring, I believed we could definitely score more. It seems that belief was well conveyed to the players.”

Manager Yoon continued, “The roles of the veteran players were enormous. I really want to tell them how hard they worked. It is not just those players; I am grateful for the efforts of many other players as well. I also want to thank and congratulate the players who did not play in the match—those who always work diligently quietly in the background but are unable to take the field.” He added, “We have decided on a ‘match of our lives.’ I think that today at least, we should spend the day sharing the joy with the players.”

Reflecting on the season, Manager Yoon Jung-hwan said, “There were difficulties when we first started.” He noted, “As we continuously revised and improved what we aimed to do, there were clearly signs of development. The players followed those aspects well.” He added, “I believe we could achieve this because all the players trusted and relied on each other. It is a pity that we are evaluated by the split (Final), but entering Split A has given us another opportunity to move up. I have mixed feelings.”

As a team in Final A, Incheon United has now earned the qualification to compete for a spot in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL). The gap with second-place Ulsan HD is also only five points. Manager Yoon Jung-hwan added, “Given the current atmosphere, the players are eager for the ACL. It seems they have developed a belief that they can do it. I believe that if we prepare well with that belief, there is sufficient value to try and compete. Rather than being satisfied here, we will revise our goals to aim higher and prepare well.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original