“I feel angry about losing to a team that plays soccer like that.”
Gwangju FC coach Lee Jeong-hyo’s face was full of resentment.
Gwangju lost 0-2 after fighting with 10 people in the 2023 Hana One Q K League 1 2nd round home opening match against FC Seoul held at the Gwangju Soccer Stadium on the 5th due to Um Ji-seong’s accumulated warnings being sent off in the 10th minute of the second half.
Gwangju, on this day, gathered 7,357 spectators, the highest number ever, at the Gwangju Soccer Stadium, but unfortunately they failed to win their first K-League 1 home win.
After the game, coach Lee said, “I am very angry. I am angry that I lost to a team that played soccer like that. This is also my fault because I couldn’t bring results. The players will continue to maintain this performance. I can’t do better. Gwangju soccer color I clearly showed it. I think the players are more divided than me.”
He added, “Honestly, in order for Korean football to develop in the future, I think a team with the color of Gwangju football will have to take the results. It’s an unconvincing defeat.”
Even so, he created a strange atmosphere, saying, “I hope there is no misunderstanding. I do not think badly of FC Seoul soccer coach Ahn Ik-soo.”
Gwangju played hot attacking football in the first half of the day with strong forward pressure and active forward passing. As Seoul hardly had a front-line build-up, it turned to a strategy of ‘counterattacking after the player’s defense’ without giving Gwangju a gap to dig in while solidifying the 3rd line.
However, in the 10th minute of the second half, Um Ji-seong was sent off due to an accumulation of warnings, and the inferiority immediately led to a goal. Seoul dug into Gwangju’s gap and scored two goals with only headers to take three points. Gwangju was better in performance, but Seoul took care of the performance.안전놀이터
Director Lee said, “Professionals have to bring results. It’s a pity. However, I will keep the soccer I played that day. No matter who the opponent is, I will push forward.”
Regarding Uhm Ji-seong, who was sent off with two warnings in one minute, he said, “I must have felt this a lot. There are no excuses under any circumstances. I think it will be a good example for players to grow.”