“I think the fans’ messages resonated with the players.”
Incheon United head coach Cho Sung-hwan expressed his gratitude to the fans after meeting with the media during the 16th round of the Hana One Q K League 2023 against Daejeon Hana Citizen at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on 4 April.
Prior to the game against Daejeon, Incheon had gone five games without a win (two draws and three losses). This year, Incheon curiously reached the Asian Football Confederation Champions League playoffs and made a major recruitment push to qualify for the knockout stages, but they are in the bottom half of the table. Last season was the only time they didn’t finish as the ‘survivors’, and this year they are facing survival again.안전놀이터
Before the game, Cho said, “Fans came to the clubhouse in the rain with encouraging words. The players didn’t see them, only me. It was really touching, salty and apologetic,” he said, adding that he was determined to win the match for the sake of serious fans.
The result was a success. Kim scored two goals in a 3-1 victory. Mpoku, who has been criticised for being a bit of a slouch, also had a goal and two assists, including one from the penalty spot.
At the official post-match press conference, Cho said, “Many fans supported us in the away game. I am grateful. I’m even more grateful for the fans who came to the clubhouse after the last match against Daegu FC to convey their feelings and messages. It resonated with the players’ hearts, which is why we played like we did today. I am grateful to the fans,” he said, adding that it was a great motivation.
As for Hong Shih-hu, who left the field with an injury less than two minutes after coming on, he said, “He doesn’t get a lot of playing time, but he prepares well. It’s a shame for both him and the team. We’ll have to check him out and see.”
A three-goal win feels good. “We haven’t talked about the goals, but I’m sure the forward line was under a lot of pressure. We need to shake it off and do better today,” he encouraged.
On Mpoku’s performance, Cho said, “The first time we met, he showed confidence, saying he would do whatever the team wanted, except for the goalkeeper, and he did his job. He played a big role in getting the result.”