“Last words? I don’t think I’ll go, so I’ll save that for another time.”
FC Seoul head coach Ahn Ik-soo saved his final words for his protégé Hwang Eui-jo.
FC Seoul defeated Suwon Samseong 1-0 in the 19th round of the Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 at Suwon World Cup Stadium at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday for their second straight “Super Match” victory바카라.
The victory was Seoul’s first in four matches and moved them into second place with 32 points (9 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses). Suwon, on the other hand, was once again denied its first home win of the season, falling into a six-match winless streak in the league (one draw, five losses). They remain at the bottom of the standings with nine points (2 wins, 3 draws, 14 losses).
A theatrical goal from Willian in the dying minutes of the game proved to be the difference. In the 42nd minute, Osmar delivered a pinpoint long pass down the left, and the ball was collected by Willian, who drove into the box past Jung Seung-won. He calmly folded once to get past Go Myung-seok before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot into the corner of the net. The Seoul fans celebrated by chanting “Suwon relegated”.
“As you can see, both teams tried to fulfill the expectations of the Super Match, and I think that’s what the Super Match is all about,” said Ahn Ik-soo after the match. Both teams fought for their fans to live up to the expectations, and I’m grateful that we were able to bring home a victory.”
When asked how he evaluated the changed Suwon, Ahn Ik-soo said, “I think coach Kim Byung-soo made a lot of efforts during the A-Match break. The Suwon players also showed signs of effort to show a performance worthy of the Super Match.”
Seoul made changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Lee Han-bum and Na Sang-ho, and bringing on Kim Jin-ya and Kim Shin-jin. “There were many factors, including playing for the national team, the tight schedule, and the difference in environment between the national team and the club,” said Ahn Ik-soo. A lot of demands are needed to maintain their physical condition. Han Bum is still young, so he needs to improve. It’s not easy to stay in shape, either. However, both players are committed to the team and have tried to perform well beyond their physical condition.”
This match is likely to be Hwang’s farewell game in the K League. After the last match against El Salvador, he expressed his desire to return to Nottingham in the Premier League, saying, “I hope it will be a time to challenge and test myself once again.”
When asked about Hwang, Ahn said, “I’ve shown this much, but I think I still have more to show. I hope there are no regrets.” “I will miss him a lot. We met at a young age of 21, and then we met again more than 10 years later. It was really cool. It’s a coolness that suits FC Seoul the best. He can’t fit in with any other team. I hope they take that into consideration.”
He also revealed his deep affection for Hwang Eui-jo. “(Hwang Ui-jo) is a player with good form and good thoughts. He is an energizer who brings happiness in his daily life, not only in FC Seoul but also in the national team. That’s who he is. I’m grateful for his role in making me better at FC Seoul. It would be nice to have an ‘ING’,” he smiled.
However, he did not rule out the possibility of Hwang Ui-jo staying. When asked to give him the final word, Ahn Ik-soo said, “I don’t think I’m going to go, so I’ll think carefully about such a comment. If I get a chance next time, I’ll say it.” Even before the match, he left the door open for Hwang’s future, saying, “At this point, ‘I don’t know’ is the best word to use.”