[On-site interview] "Can we win? → Now, it is only right that we win": Aiyedun reveals Gwangju's 'sharply changed confidence'

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

GwangjuFC forward Aiyedun described the team's recently shifted atmosphere as "confidence."

On the 24th, Gwangju defeated BucheonFC1995 3-0 at Bucheon General Sports Complex. With this victory, Gwangju improved its record to three wins, 12 draws, and 18 losses (21 points). Although still in last place (12th), the team narrowed the gap with 11th-place Bucheon (seven wins, 11 draws, 15 losses; 32 points), sustaining hope for a dramatic survival.

Aiyedun scored a brace. After opening the scoring in stoppage time of the first half, he added another goal with a header in the 20th minute of the second half. Ba Rua also found the back of the net in the 15th minute of the second half.

Gwangju also secured a clean sheet. Despite a crisis when Bucheon was awarded a penalty kick in the first half, Gwangju kept its goal intact and went on to score three goals to secure the victory.

After the match, Aiyedun met with reporters and said, "I feel great. The players fought well, and I am truly happy that we finished with a clean sheet."

The atmosphere at Gwangju has certainly changed. On the 11th, the team defeated UlsanHD 4-3. It was a league victory after a drought of 218 days and 29 matches. As the win was confirmed, many Gwangju fans in the stands were seen shedding tears.

Including that match, Gwangju has recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss in its last five games, showing a distinctly different form compared to the start of the season.

Aiyedun said, "It seems very important to have the belief that we can win," reflecting on his thoughts after playing well following the international break: "I had been thinking, 'Could we really have won?'"

He added, "Now, I feel there is a confidence that it is only right for us to win."

He pointed to the match against Ulsan as the turning point. Aiyedun explained, "We dominated Ulsan for all 90 minutes. That game seems to have been the catalyst."

The revival of their scoring power is also welcome. Aiyedun is at the center of this resurgence.

Aiyedun, a former Australian national team forward, donned the Gwangju jersey in June. Although he joined late in the season, his brace against Bucheon brings his tally to 10 goals and two assists in 17 matches this season, demonstrating a strong presence.

The gap between Aiyedun and the league's top scorers is not large. Yago (Ulsan), Klimara (FC Seoul; both with 16 goals), and Mugosa (Incheon United; 14 goals) lead the charts, but considering that Aiyedun joined mid-season, his scoring pace is impressive.

Regarding the race for the Golden Boot, Aiyedun said, "Realistically, it seems difficult. The players at the top of the scoring charts are truly excellent."

He continued, "I have played for about half a season and am showing this level of performance. I take pride in simply being close to those players."

His goal for additional scores in the remainder of the season is around three goals. Aiyedun said, "Realistically, I expect to score about three more," while emphasizing, "More important than goals is, above all, that the team wins."

The chemistry with his 'attacking partner' Ba Rua has also improved. The two players scored together in the match against Bucheon, combining efforts to secure the victory.

Aiyedun said, "By continuously playing together, I know where I need to be positioned, and we have come to understand each other's movements quite well."

He added, "I have not assisted Ba Rua yet, but he has provided many assists for me. That aspect is also helping us."

However, Gwangju remains in a difficult situation. The possibility of finishing 11th is low, and if they are confirmed as the bottom team, they will have to play in the promotion-relegation playoff (PO).

Aiyedun also acknowledged the realistic situation. He said, "Honestly, the chance of finishing 11th is slim. Still, the fact that a possibility exists seems to give us a bit more motivation."

He emphasized, "Even if we go to the playoffs, we must continue this winning momentum. That is why we are giving our best in every single match right now."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original