Even if the chance of finishing 11th is slim, and even if last place is confirmed, Gwangju will run to the end... "Even if we go to the promotion-relegation playoffs, we must maintain our winning momentum"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

GwangjuFC has found its strength again from a dire situation. Despite the slim possibility of escaping last place, the team is not giving up. Even if they ultimately finish 12th and head to the promotion-relegation playoffs (PO), they are determined to maintain their current positive momentum.

On the 24th, Gwangju secured a 3-0 comprehensive victory over BucheonFC1995 at the Bucheon General Sports Complex.

Forward Aiday scored a brace to lead the team to victory. After scoring the opening goal in stoppage time of the first half, he struck again with a header in the 20th minute of the second half. In the 15th minute of the second half, Ba Rua also found the back of the net.

The team also weathered a crisis. Although they conceded a penalty kick opportunity to Bucheon's Gallego in the first half, they kept their goal clean and subsequently took control of the flow of the game to complete a three-goal victory.

Gwangju's recent form has clearly improved. As goals have started to come, the atmosphere within the squad has also become significantly better.

However, reality is not easy. Currently sitting in last place, Gwangju has a record of 3 wins, 12 draws, and 18 losses (21 points). 11th-place Bucheon stands at 7 wins, 11 draws, and 15 losses (32 points).

With five matches remaining in the final round, the point gap between the two teams is 11. For Gwangju to climb to 11th place, they must accumulate as many points as possible in their remaining games while also watching Bucheon's results. It is a realistically difficult challenge.

Nevertheless, Gwangju has no intention of letting go of the final round. As long as there is a possibility of finishing 11th, they must chase to the end. Even in the worst-case scenario where last place is confirmed, the season is not over. A more important battle awaits in the form of the promotion-relegation PO.

Lee Jung-gyu, Gwangju's manager, emphasized "consistency" as the attitude for preparing for the remaining season.

The manager stated, "When communicating with the players, I told them to maintain consistency no matter what situation arises during the match."

He continued, "We still have many matches left. Also, don't we have a very important Plan B? We need to think about that as well," explaining, "I told them to prepare consistently whether we win or lose."

The "Plan B" mentioned by the manager includes preparations with the promotion-relegation PO in mind. It means that maintaining the good momentum they have been building recently is more important than letting their playing style and squad atmosphere be shaken by chasing immediate results.

The squad's atmosphere is also good. The manager said, "I have spoken a lot about the atmosphere, but I am somewhat surprised myself," adding, "Even though I have been in professional football for a long time, the atmosphere could easily turn sour in this situation. But it hasn't."

He continued, "It seems to be because the quality of our play is good. The players also seem to have found confidence in the football we are playing."

When asked about changes compared to the early part of the season, he pointed to the players' condition and tactical understanding.

The manager explained, "Many players joined in June, but there wasn't much time for actual training," adding, "Now, the players' overall condition is good, and through daily meetings, they are executing the tactical aspects well."

He then credited the players, saying, "It seems that good results are coming out not because I am doing a good job, but because the players are executing things well."

The most welcome change is their scoring power. Gwangju had often created good attacking scenes in the past but failed to finish them. However, recently, goals have followed, and the quality of play has translated into results. They also scored three goals against Bucheon.

The manager said, "That is a fact in a way," adding, "We kept creating good scenes but couldn't score, but lately we are putting in 3 or 4 goals at a time. It is certain that this aspect has improved."

The players also have no intention of giving up until the end. Aiday, who scored a brace against Bucheon, admitted regarding Gwangju's chances of staying up, "Honestly speaking, they are few."

However, he immediately emphasized, "Still, the fact that there is a possibility seems to give us a bit more motivation."

Aiday was also looking ahead to the possibility of the promotion-relegation PO. He stated, "Even if we go to the playoffs, we must continue our winning momentum," emphasizing, "That is why we are doing our best in every single match right now."

Ultimately, this is also why Gwangju must give it their all in the remaining final round matches. As long as there is a possibility of finishing 11th, they will chase to the end. Even if last place is confirmed in the worst case, they must not lose the form and confidence that have revived now. Even if they head to the promotion-relegation PO, they ultimately need to survive on that stage as well.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original