"Refusing to be a mere spectator in Suwon Samsung's promotion" — YonginFC Manager Choi Yun-gyeom declares he will "upset the party"... "We will throw everything we have into this match" [Suwon on-site report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Manager Choi Yun-gyeom of YonginFC declared a head-on confrontation, positioning his team as the "chili powder squad" (a disruptive force) against league leaders Suwon Samsung, who are poised to fire off celebration shots for their promotion.

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

Yongin sits in 11th place with a record of seven wins, 12 draws, and 10 losses for 33 points, having missed out on playoff qualification. However, their recent momentum is fierce. They caused an upset by thoroughly defeating third-place Seoul E-Land, who are in the promotion race, 4-2 at home in their previous match. Following a 2-0 victory over Chungbuk Cheongju, they have won two consecutive games and are accelerating.

If league leaders Suwon secure even a draw against Yongin, they will clinch promotion regardless of the results of their remaining two matches.

Meeting with reporters before the match, Manager Choi Yun-gyeom stated emphatically, "I do not want to be a mere spectator," adding, "Just as we responded tactically well in the match against E-Land, if we prepare well for Suwon, we will be able to put on a good game."

He added, "Unlike the early part of the season, the team has been newly structured with young players taking the lead. I hope that through a big match like today's, it becomes an opportunity for the young players to grow and develop further. The experience in front of a large crowd will be a great asset for both the team and the players."

He also presented a tailored strategy to counter Suwon's aggressive starting lineup. Manager Choi noted, "Suwon places its weight on the attacking side, and their back four line is relatively young in terms of experience." He pointed out that "the biggest key to winning will be blocking free ball deliveries to wide players like Lebon and Kang Seong-jin, as well as frontline strikers like Luis and Dubitskas."

He continued, "Since the opposing defensive line relies on activity levels and aggressiveness rather than experience, Yongin will aim for sharp counterattacks after effectively defending the front. Manager Lee Jung-hyo may know Gabriel very well, but if we actively utilize Gabriel to shake up their defense, gaps will certainly open up."

Regarding the first meeting of the season in March, where they suffered a narrow 0-1 home defeat, he drew a clear line. Manager Choi said, "At that time, both teams were not fully prepared, and the situation is different now." He conveyed, "The roaring cheers from away fans may be a burden, but since we are also riding a two-game winning streak, I have instructed the players to face them with confidence."

Reflecting on their first season as a newly established team, he expressed cold self-reflection along with a burning desire for victory. Manager Choi stated, "If evaluated coldly, this season is closer to failure than success," but added, "Even just to prepare for next year, today's match is truly important. We will play challenging football so that we are not ashamed before our fans. Rather than focusing on next year, we will pour everything into winning the match against Suwon right now."

Meanwhile, Yongin set up Gabriel as the lone striker and placed Jin Tae-ho, Jo Jae-hoon, and Yoo Dong-gyu in the second line. Kim Han-seo and Choi Young-jun guarded the midfield, while Lee Jae-hyung, Lee Jin-sub, Gwak Yun-ho, and Kim Hyeon-jeon formed the back four. Noh Hee-dong will guard the goal.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original