Bucheon FC 1995 aims to change the mood at home.
Bucheon FC 1995 will face Pohang Steelers on the 17th at Bucheon Sports Complex in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 round 15. Bucheon sits 11th in the league with 14 points (
3 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses). Pohang is 4th with 22 points (6 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses).
Bucheon has recorded 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses in its last five league matches, continuing a difficult trend. In particular, the lack of attacking power is the biggest concern. The only goal scored in the last five matches was Gabriel's winning goal in the away match against Anyang. They suffered scoreless defeats against Gimcheon, Jeju and Ulsan, and failed to score a single goal in the previous match against Jeonbuk.
In addition, Vassani will not play in this match due to a red card in the previous game.
The only hopeful aspect is the defense. Recently they showed resilience, not collapsing easily even against Ulsan and Jeonbuk. In the Jeonbuk match, despite being outplayed in possession and shots, they secured 1 point with a clean sheet. The defensive line centered on Hong Seong-uk, Jeong Ho-jin and Patrick and goalkeeper Kim Hyung-keun showed notable concentration.
Ultimately, whether the attack bounces back will be the most important factor in the Pohang match. The Yoon Bit-garam and Gabriel partnership must come alive. Pohang is a team that has recently shown defensive stability. From Bucheon's perspective, it is necessary to avoid conceding first, manage the flow of the game for longer stretches and increase the efficiency of counterattacks. The biggest question is whether they can break the long goal drought at home.
Before the match, Bucheon coach Lee Young-min said, "We must win today to reduce the point gap with the teams above. If the result is not good, the difference could be two or more matches. It's an important game to keep competing."
He also brought up the previous Jeonbuk match. At that time Bucheon was heavily outmatched in possession and shots but held on until the end to secure a draw.
The coach said, "The players really worked hard on the field in the last game, so we earned the point," but added frankly, "I don't think we earned the point because we played well."
He added, "For that point to shine brighter, we must win today. If they run as hard as they did in the last match, it could lead to a good flow."
Bucheon will play the match without defensive mainstay Patrick. Vassani is also absent due to a red card in the previous match.
On Patrick's absence, the coach explained, "Honestly, we should have substituted him in the Jeonbuk match, but we didn't. Afterwards his condition worsened and he went to the hospital, and now he is not in a condition to play."
He said, "He probably needs to rest during the break. We have to play without Vassani and Patrick."
He gave a high evaluation of the opponent Pohang. He said, "I watched Pohang's recent games a lot, and I went to see the Incheon match in person. Pohang is always a team with good organization. I think it's a team with that kind of culture."
He added, "They are especially a team with very quick transition speed. Second balls are important, but ultimately the key point is how we defend in transition situations."
He also revealed plans for the break. The coach explained, "Our team has quite a few players who are like patients. There are long-term injured players and many who have been playing continuously. During the break, rather than training hard unconditionally, we plan to focus on managing the players' condition."
He said, "We are also planning a short camp where we will train intensively. Shin Jae-won also has fatigue fracture symptoms and needs rest. It's important to get through the break well."
He also expressed regret about not being able to make enough tactical attempts in the Jeonbuk match.
The coach said, "After the Ulsan match we prepared for the Jeonbuk match with a similar lineup to continue the good aspects. I wanted to find a way against a back four, but it's regrettable that we couldn't do that given the flow of the game."
He explained, "Today's Pohang match can be another testing ground. That's also why I included players like Yoon Bit-garam. Before the break, I want to find more areas we need to improve."
Finally, he mentioned the home fans.
The coach said, "I always tell the players at home games that while results are important, how you play can be more important. After the draw with Jeonbuk the fans gave a standing ovation. I believe what fans want is to see players giving their best."
He added emphatically, "Although Bucheon is struggling in the K League 1 this year, the players all know they must fight to the end at home for the fans."
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