"Secured precious 3 points": SuwonFC Manager Park Gun-ha remains composed despite entering promotion zone, "Too early to celebrate... a meaningful victory" [Suwon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Park Gun-ha, manager of SuwonFC, which surged to second place, a direct promotion spot, praised the confidence of striker Ha Jung-woo, who scored the winning goal, and emphasized the significance of the valuable victory.

In the home match held at Suwon Sports Complex at 2 p.m. on the 1st for Hana Bank K League 2 2026 Round 31, SuwonFC defeated Ansan Greeners 1-0, powered by Ha Jung-woo's crucial long-range winning goal.

With Seoul E-Land, which was in second place, losing the previous day and leader Suwon Samsung drawing, SuwonFC secured a full 3 points to climb to sole second place, taking a step closer to the automatic promotion race.

In a post-match press conference, Manager Park Gun-ha said, "I sincerely thank the fans who supported us until the end at home despite the bad weather with rain. I am happy that we were able to win."

Manager Park continued, "Our unbeaten streak was broken by a 0-1 loss in the previous match against Chungnam Asan, but it is most significant that we did not fall into consecutive losses and changed the atmosphere with a victory." He added, "There were decisive chances to score early in the game, but we failed to capitalize on them, causing the opponent to retreat further defensively. It was somewhat difficult, but thanks to Ha Jung-woo scoring at a crucial moment right after the start of the second half, we were able to win. I am grateful to the players who did their best until the last minute for victory in the rain."

However, he pointed out the lack of additional goals as an area for improvement. Manager Park said, "It is regrettable that we aimed for multiple goals but could not achieve it." He diagnosed, "We also saw players struggling physically toward the end of the second half. It seems necessary to manage stamina and make improvements for the remaining matches."

He remained composed regarding consecutive bad luck with the goalposts, including Koo Bon-cheol's shot hitting the crossbar in the 14th minute of the first half and Lee Jae-won's shot hitting the post. Manager Park said, "It was a match where victory was essential, but in football, hitting the goalposts can happen at any time." He explained, "It was unfortunate, but I believed we could maintain the momentum because the performance and play itself were excellent. If we had capitalized on opportunities earlier, we would have managed the game much more comfortably, but at this point, the result and 3 points are most important. I want to place great significance on the victory itself."

He also did not hold back praise for Ha Jung-woo, who scored his ninth goal of the season in about two months since the match against Gimhae FC in August, leading to the victory. Manager Park said, "I had a private meeting with Ha Jung-woo before the game." He added, "Compared to when he was in top form early in the season, his recent shooting timing and confidence in shooting seemed somewhat lower. I asked him to attempt space penetration and bold shots, which are what he does best, with more confidence, and the player executed that part well. It was a goal aided by the luck of a deflection, but since he has finally started scoring again, I hope he continues this good momentum."

Finally, regarding the promotion opportunity secured by climbing to sole second place, Manager Park maintained composure. Manager Park said, "As I told the team before the game, a prime opportunity came our way because competing teams did not win the previous day. We resolved with the players that we must definitely seize this opportunity." He emphasized, "Breaking the streak of recent losses was also important, and every match is like a final. The victory against Ansan will be a great motivation and strength in preparing for the next match. Rather than just being happy, I think it was a very meaningful victory in the promotion race."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original