“Promotion Hero” Lee Jung-hyo, Suwon Samsung Manager: “I Don’t Feel Much… We’ve Only Taken the First Step” [Suwon On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Manager Lee Jung-hyo, who returned Suwon Samsung to the K League 1 stage for the first time in three seasons in his inaugural year with the club, emphasized a cold-eyed reality and bold ambitions toward rebuilding the storied franchise rather than indulging in emotion.

In their home match on the 8th at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Round 32 of the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 season, Suwon comprehensively defeated Yongin FC 2-0, thanks to an early first-half header goal by Dubitskas and a bicycle kick wonder goal by Lebon in the second half.

With this result, Suwon secured at least second place in K League 2, clinching direct promotion to K League 1 on their own merit regardless of the outcomes of remaining matches.

In a post-match press conference, Manager Lee stated, “The team’s strong will to secure promotion at home outweighed tactical considerations.” He added, “Thanks to that determination, the team united as one and achieved a great result. I am sincerely grateful for providing positive energy to the fans who filled the stadium,” sharing his thoughts on the promotion.

Although the club and fans had earnestly wished for three years for promotion to the top flight, and Suwon also became a strong contender for the K League 2 title, Manager Lee remained calm. He said, “I don’t feel much. Many fans wanted promotion, but Suwon has only taken its first step.” He continued, “In K League 1, we must play at an even higher level, and more fans will come to watch. To live up to expectations, this is where the real beginning starts. We will work hard and consistently so that the prestigious club of Suwon Samsung never drops back to the second division again,” he said emphatically.

Despite confirming promotion, the team did not ease off for the remainder of the season. When asked about their next goal, Manager Lee answered decisively, “Winning both remaining matches.”

Reflecting on the year, he also expressed gratitude to the club’s members. Manager Lee said, “I firmly believed in the young players, as well as Hong Jung-ho and Ko Seung-beom. As we played more games, their experience grew, and I was confident that as the players developed, they would definitely become a great team.” He credited others by adding, “There were difficulties, but thanks to the CEO who invested generously in the summer and the front office staff who devoted themselves silently behind the scenes, we were able to hold on well.”

Regarding the competitiveness of the young core defense for next season, Manager Lee did not stop his criticism. He stated, “Players like Ko Jong-hyun and Lee Gun-hee will find it difficult to succeed in K League 1 with their current abilities. We need to develop them further during winter training and also acquire competitive players. We must work fiercely and strive even harder during the off-season,” drawing a clear line.

He also revealed his firm philosophy regarding Suwon’s future direction. Manager Lee said, “We must aim to win every match, which means we need to score goals, and for that, the training process is most important.” He pledged, “While results are important, we have laid the foundation for Suwon to leap back to its status as a prestigious club. Next year, we will faithfully follow the process toward higher goals in K League 1 and the AFC Champions League.”

Finally, he boldly revealed his conviction and resolve as a coach who has broken prejudices in the football world. Manager Lee said, “Because I did not have a glamorous career as a player, I was able to continue this challenge. I want to show that even with an insufficient career, one can succeed if they work fiercely and improve their skills.” He raised his voice, adding, “I hope those who dream of becoming coaches in the same situation I was in as a player find strength by looking at me. I will crush those who have looked at us with prejudiced eyes with my abilities and break through the ceiling of prejudice one by one.”

He continued, “I may have been weak as a player, but I am certainly not weak now as a coach. We have proudly achieved promotion to K League 1, and while leading Suwon Samsung, a big club, we can stand confidently against any great manager. My career as a manager truly begins now. I hope that many excellent coaches will emerge from among the players I guide in the future. I will continue to prove myself fiercely.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original