Suwon still faces challenges due to risk of injury

Suwon, led by head coach Kim Byung-soo, had a 1-1 draw against the Pohang Steelers in the 22nd round of the "Hana One Q K League 1 2023" at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 12th despite its numerical advantage that came early in the second half. Suwon, which secured 12 points, had to be satisfied with narrowing the gap with Gangwon FC (15 points), which ranked 11th.

Suwon played the game after two days off. Nevertheless, he came up with the concept of 'forward pressure'. Not only Kim Bo-kyung, but also midfielders such as Ko Seung-beom and Kazuki, as well as Jeon Jin-woo, who was placed on the front line, tried to pressure from a high position. Through this, Pohang's forward movement and spatial movement were prevented as much as possible. Suwon had so many opportunities that it recorded seven shots and four effective shots in the first half alone.

It wasn't bad until the beginning of the second half. In the 11th minute of the second half, Jeon Jin-woo, who received Kazuki's pass, induced Ha Chang-rae's foul and led him to the exit. Mulić succeeded in this free kick and even took the lead. But that was it. Suwon has rarely been able to attack since the middle of the second half. Pass misses continued to appear in the midfield, and Pohang, which had less than one, was overwhelming. Suwon finally missed the victory by allowing a penalty kick in the 34th minute of the second half. Suwon will continue to win nine games (4 draws and 5 losses).

Moreover, Suwon was replaced by Acosti and Lee Sang-min, who started the game, complained of hamstring pain. Although it is not a major injury, it will be difficult to play against Ulsan Hyundai in the 23rd round, which will continue immediately. In particular, Acosti has not been able to play for a long time due to continued injuries this season.

After the game, head coach Kim also said, "Acosti and Lee Sang-min inevitably replaced them at half-time due to hamstring problems. This is where the plan began to go awry. Still, we played well until the 70th minute as intended. After that, a physical part occurred," he pointed out. Suwon has not been able to continue to have its best members due to a series of injuries.

In addition, Suwon's lack of physical strength and endurance is still a chronic weakness. He leads the game well, but he often draws the game to win with a last-minute run in the second half and loses the game to draw. With Kazuki's joining, Suwon's forwardness has definitely improved. However, in order to maintain the concept of forward pressure, physical strength, endurance, and concentration must be supported. "The K-League cannot help but talk about mental strength. Head coach Kim's remarks, "We need to be more armed," do not sound futile.

Suwon will play its home game against Ulsan on the 15th. Ulsan has no choice but to make all-out efforts as it was hit by Incheon United in the 22nd round. Suwon lost both matches against Ulsan this season. Both games were one goal apart.