'We focus only on Suwon' Manager Lee Jung-hyo: "Consistency is key, regardless of fitness or mood" [On-site in Seongnam]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Suwon Samsung manager Lee Jung-hyo aims squarely at direct promotion with an all-out effort devoid of complacency, even amid a steep unbeaten run.

Suwon will face Seongnam FC in Round 30 of the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 season at Seongnam General Sports Complex on the 25th at 2 p.m.

Suwon is embarking on its third promotion attempt. In its first season under manager Lee Jung-hyo, the team has surged to a solo top spot and secured a position in the direct promotion zone.

Speaking to reporters before the match, manager Lee Jung-hyo was asked about the high-intensity training he had foreshadowed immediately after the previous round. He stated, "We have a match on the weekend and another one five days later next week, so we did not significantly increase the intensity."

The team is riding a peak form with an 11-match unbeaten streak (8 wins, 3 draws), including six consecutive victories, but complacency would be premature. The gap with third-place Seoul E-Land (54 points from 28 matches) is only three points, meaning the team cannot let its guard down until the very end.

Manager Lee drew a clear line regarding the sluggish atmosphere of the opposing team, Seongnam. "I do not want to worry about other teams' atmospheres," he said. "Our team's mood is good, but that does not guarantee our performance will be consistently excellent. We have been diligently preparing by focusing on how to attack and defend against them, particularly on how to control their counterattacks when we are on the offensive." He maintained a sense of caution.

He further emphasized consistency as an attitude that must be maintained throughout the match. "Whether we have stamina or not, whether our mood is good or bad, I hope we push forward consistently until the end, just as we prepared," he noted.

On this day, Suwon will field Luis and Kang Hyun-mok as a two-man strike force, with Lebon, Kang Seong-jin, Park Hyeon-bin, and Jeong Ho-yeon anchoring the midfield. Lee Sang-min, Mo Gyeong-bin, Ko Jong-hyun, and Lee Geon-hee will form the back four defensive line. Kim Jun-hong will guard the goal.

Regarding the large inclusion of youth academy players in the starting lineup and the change to the back four formation, manager Lee said, "We also had to prepare for the upcoming match against Daegu." He added with a smile, "Mo Gyeong-bin is an exceptionally good attacking player, so we needed him and started him. Since he was sent off in the previous match against Seongnam, I thought that if Gyeong-bin comes on, his teammates around him might focus more and help out. I instructed them to be more focused."

On the midfield changes, he pointed to basic military training and injury factors. "Kim Min-woo's ankle is not in perfect condition, and Jeong Ho-yeon will leave for basic military training after today's match," manager Lee said. "We must utilize Park Hyeon-bin and Kim Min-woo in the remaining matches until Ko Seung-beom returns, so we gave Kim Min-woo a rest. Park Hyeon-bin is well-prepared and in good condition, so I have high expectations for him."

Regarding the temporary absence of key player Jeong Ho-yeon, he said, "If he is not there, we will just proceed without him." He expressed trust by adding, "During his time with us, Jeong Ho-yeon had a positive impact on the players around him and dedicated himself fully for the team, so it is fine."

Praising captain Kang Hyun-mok, who donned the armband again after recording a goal and an assist in the previous match to play brilliantly, manager Lee said, "His confidence has risen significantly. Scoring an attacking point and winning with the team became a very positive turning point for the player himself."

Meanwhile, he did not forget to send congratulations to FC Seoul manager Kim Ki-dong, who confirmed the K League 1 title the previous day. Manager Lee, who has highly regarded manager Kim in the past, said, "I considered sending a message but conveyed my congratulations in my heart." He added, "It seems you found fulfillment commensurate with your hard work. I imagine you are already planning for next season. Congratulations sincerely."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original