“A Draw Secures Promotion”: Suwon’s Lee Jung-hyo Instead Activates “Mental Whipping,” Emphasizing “Relegation” — “They Still Have Nothing in Their Hands” [Suwon On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

There is absolutely no room for complacency. With promotion within reach, Suwon Samsung’s Manager Lee Jung-hyo sharply tightened the squad’s mental fortitude.

Suwon Samsung and Yongin FC will face off in Round 32 of the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 season at Suwon World Cup Stadium at 2 p.m. on the 8th.

Leading the table with a record of 19 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses (63 points) in 29 matches, Suwon will secure direct promotion to K League 1 regardless of the results of their remaining two games if they draw this match. Meanwhile, 11th-place Yongin (7 wins, 12 draws, 10 losses; 33 points) has already been eliminated from contention for a spot in the promotion playoffs.

Suwon defeated their opponents 1-0 in their previous meeting in March and has maintained an unbeaten streak of 13 matches since July (9 wins, 4 draws), riding an overwhelming momentum. Although they postponed the confirmation of promotion with a 2-2 draw against Daegu FC in their most recent match, they still hold a favorable position.

Speaking to reporters before the match, Manager Lee stated, “I told the players that they have nothing in their hands yet.” He added, “Hong Jeong-ho and Go Seung-beom have championship experience, but I clearly pointed out that the existing young players at Suwon have only experienced relegation without any championship experience.”

He continued, “Players from Navy Headquarters who have won championships will tighten up the team even more strongly, but inexperienced players may become lax thinking it is all over.” He emphasized, “I firmly impressed upon them that they have not achieved anything yet. Both teams are expected to play quite roughly today.”

The manager also shared his reflections on watching the game from the stands during the Daegu match due to a suspension. “There were frustrating aspects, but while natural disasters can be prepared for, they cannot be stopped by people,” Lee said. “I decided to treat it as a natural disaster and prepare accordingly.” He explained, “Viewing from above made the shortcomings clearer, and I found answers on what needs to be improved.”

On this day, Suwon deployed Luis and Dubitskas as a two-striker front line, with Lebon, Kim Seong-ju, Kim Min-woo, and Kang Seong-jin in midfield. The back four was manned by Lee Sang-min, Han Hyun-seo, Mo Gyeong-bin, and Lee Geon-hee, while Kim Jun-hong kept the goal.

Regarding the starting lineup, Manager Lee said, “I adjusted the tactical aspects to suit Kim Seong-ju.” He added, “Since he is making a return after a long absence, I was concerned he might be intimidated by the atmosphere in the stadium, so I modified the tactics in a direction where Seong-ju can perform well. I hope he just holds up well in the first half.”

He declared that Suwon would not back down despite Yongin’s rough play. “Yongin has many veterans who will try to overpower our young players with strength,” Manager Lee said. “Instead, I instructed the players to engage more aggressively and hit them first. They must overcome it on their own, regardless of the referee’s decisions.”

He also pointed out the differences compared to when he led Gwangju FC to promotion four years ago. “Back then, they looked down on me and came at us carelessly, but now they cannot afford to ignore us,” Lee said. “I can feel that they are preparing more thoroughly to face us. The world may not like seeing others succeed, but I and my players continue to strive to do even better.”

When asked about countermeasures against Gabriel, Yongin’s ace who was once his disciple at Gwangju, he replied, “I have not said anything specific to the players separately.” He added, “If we go up to Division 1, we will have to face more outstanding foreign investors. Directly clashing with them and realizing their own shortcomings through their actual skill level will be a great experience for them.”

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original