'Son Jeong-beom's Mentor' Coach Yoon Si-ho, Confident After Youth Cup Victory: "After Competing Against European and Japanese Clubs..." [Incheon On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Coach Yoon Si-ho, who led the FC Seoul Under-17 (U17) team to the championship, conveyed his heartfelt sincerity toward his players alongside the honor of Korea's first-ever youth title victory. Coach Yoon, who is also the mentor of beloved disciple Son Jeong-beom (19), who has recently stood out in the first division and been called up to the national team, emphasized the future of the players—the essence of youth development—even amid the joy of this championship win.

The Seoul U17 team defeated the Gwangju FC U17 team 4-1 in the final of the K League International Youth Cup Incheon 2026, held at the Namdong Asia Rugby Stadium in Incheon at 1 p.m. on the 30th, to lift the championship trophy.

Since the tournament's inception in 2023, prestigious overseas clubs such as Spain's RCD Espanyol, Belgium's RSC Anderlecht, and Japan's Gamba Osaka had monopolized the top spot. However, in its fourth edition this year, Seoul achieved the first victory in K League youth history.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Coach Yoon Si-ho calmly shared his impressions, stating, "I understand that a Korean team winning this tournament is a first. I feel great pride and satisfaction in the FC Seoul team, and I am very happy."

Given that the stage brought together strong domestic and international teams, the head coach felt a great deal as well. Coach Yoon stated, "By competing with European and Japanese teams and effectively leveraging our unique strengths, I gained confidence that Korean football can develop further," while adding, "The sincere attitude and posture of European players toward matches, and their determination never to yield, are areas where Korea must continue to learn and emulate in the future."

In the final, Seoul took an early lead with a goal by Lee Ju-chan in the 6th minute of the first half, but conceded an equalizer to Gwangju's Kim Kyung-bin in the 18th minute, keeping the match tight. However, immediately after the start of the second half, they activated substitution cards to increase the intensity of forward pressure. Consecutive goals by Lee Ju-chan in the 2nd and 15th minutes of the second half, followed by a decisive goal by Noshion in the 10th minute of the second half, solidified their lead.

Coach Yoon explained his coaching philosophy, which was thoroughly aimed at the professional stage, regarding why he demanded a strong tempo and pressure from the touchline throughout the 70th minutes. He said, "It is not about now, but how quickly the players adapt when they go to the pros that matters." He added, "If coaches slow down the tempo, players learn to self-regulate during difficult moments on their own, which ultimately does not help their growth. That is why I consistently emphasized match intensity and pressure. To move to higher stages such as Europe, we must further supplement our detail and accuracy."

When a question arose about his disciple Son Jeong-beom, who recently made headlines with his selection for the A national team, the mentor's smile spread. Coach Yoon said, "I heard the news and sent my congratulations. I joked, 'You'll be busier now and won't answer my calls,'" adding, "He is truly a diligent player with excellent character. I believe he can rise to even higher levels, so I encouraged him accordingly."

Reflecting on watching his disciples bear fruit in the professional league and national team after passing through Osan High School, he said, "It feels proud that the hardships of the past are now bearing fruit through the players, but it also makes me feel a greater sense of responsibility." He pledged, "I believe nurturing players is what I can do best. Rather than being impatient, I will guide the players step by step and fulfill my responsibilities for FC Seoul's youth program."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original