Pohang Steelers head coach Kim Ki-dong cited the opponent’s defense when asked about the secret to his team’s three straight wins against Jeonbuk Hyundai this year.
Kim’s side defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai 2-1 in the 24th round of the Hana One Q K League 2023 at the Pohang Steelyard at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 21. Goals from Han Chan-hee in the 34th minute and Lee Ho-jae just before the end of the first half helped Pohang overcome Jeonbuk, who were held to a single goal from Moon Sun-min two minutes into the second half.
“Every game is important, and I’m glad we won in front of our home fans against a strong team like Jeonbuk,” Kim said at the post-match press conference, adding, “It was a game where I squeezed the players because it’s a break. The players showed their fighting spirit. Many people say that we are strong in the second half, and today we scored a goal. I’m satisfied.”
Kim’s team has won three straight games against Jeonbuk this year. Coincidentally, the three wins have come against different opponents. When asked why Jeonbuk is so strong this year, he said, “I analyzed a lot.” “Jeonbuk has a lot of players with one shot,” Kim said. However, their defense seems to be a little worse than before. I think Jeonbuk is probably worried about that too, but I think we did a good job of digging into their weaknesses.”
When asked about their response when Jeonbuk took over the game in the second half, Kim said it was because they were focused on calculating the timing of substitutions. “At the start of the second half, we conceded an early goal and lost the momentum. “Park Jin-seop and Baek Seung-ho were not able to hold their positions in the midfield due to physical problems, so we tried to interfere with them by inserting (Kim) Jun-ho. Also, (Kim) In-sung’s speed tied up the opponent, and (Lee) Ho-jae scored a goal through it,” Kim said, recalling the situation in the second half. 먹튀검증
“Actually, I kept wanting to change players. But I think the fact that we stuck to the time frame we had planned was the main factor. It was worth the wait,” he said, adding that he was satisfied with the result after persevering.
When asked if the team is now firmly in second place with a seven-point lead over Jeonbuk, he laughed and said, “Even if we are given a two-week break, I don’t think we will stop working hard from tomorrow.” “We can’t afford to lose a game because we get complacent and lose focus. Once the mood drops, it’s very hard to pick it back up. I always try to be prepared and tense. I do a lot of pushing and shoving with my players,” he said, still determined to focus on the upcoming match.