Jeonbuk Hyundai midfielder Lee Seung-woo scored a crucial equalizer against Incheon United, but the team ultimately drew 1-1 in their K League 1 match on July 30th. Despite playing with a neck injury and suffering a facial injury during the game, Lee managed to find the back of the net in the 83rd minute, his seventh goal of the season. However, his impressive strike wasn’t enough to secure a win, extending Jeonbuk’s winless streak against Incheon this season to three matches.
Struggles in Front of Goal Persist for Jeonbuk
The draw leaves Jeonbuk Hyundai in third place in the league standings with 39 points, failing to reclaim second place from Ulsan HD. The team’s primary concern this season has been their finishing ability. While they consistently create chances and take shots, converting them into goals has proven difficult. This was evident in the match against Incheon, where Jeonbuk dominated possession and threatened the opponent’s goal multiple times, but only Lee Seung-woo’s long-range effort found the net.
Lee Seung-woo acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We are training every day to score multiple goals and win. However, we are not scoring many goals in matches. I imagine the fans are disappointed, and we want to prepare better so the fans can enjoy our games.” He added, “It’s truly disappointing to draw a game we could have won.”
Lee Seung-woo Plays Through Pain
The midfielder’s commitment was evident throughout the match. He played with a neck condition that limited his movement, a problem he had been experiencing even before the game. “I had neck pain, making it difficult to move properly. But I received instructions to play offensively when we needed a goal, so I went onto the field,” Lee explained. Adding to the physical challenges, he was struck in the face by the ball during the game, causing his nose to bleed. “My nose kept bleeding, and I had to keep wiping it while playing. I think the bleeding made me a bit more motivated,” he said with a laugh after the match.
Despite Lee’s goal, Jeonbuk’s lead was short-lived. In the 88th minute, following a corner kick, a rebound fell to Jeonbuk’s Gerso, who scored an equalizer. The team narrowly avoided a second consecutive defeat when Incheon’s Perović scored what appeared to be a late winner, but it was disallowed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for offside.
Comparing to Last Season’s Success
The current season’s performance is a stark contrast to Jeonbuk Hyundai’s dominant run in 2023, when they scored 64 goals and conceded only 32, leading them to the league title. This season, the team has struggled to build winning momentum, increasing the pressure on the players. “Last year, we achieved such great results, and this year, we are not living up to the expectations. Because we are not getting consistent wins, I think the players are feeling the pressure,” Lee commented.
Fans have been vocal, urging the team to adopt a more aggressive and attacking style of play. Lee Seung-woo believes that unity between the fans and the players is essential to recapture the team’s signature sharp and dynamic performance. “When the fans cheer together and we support each other, I think the team ‘Jeonbuk’ becomes sharper. We also want to score goals quickly,” he expressed.
However, Lee cautioned against a simple comparison to last season. He noted that the squad composition and playing style have changed significantly. “The players have changed, and the playing style is very different. Because we are not getting results, these kinds of discussions seem to be happening,” Lee observed. “Ultimately, the current players and coaching staff must prepare better and overcome this difficult situation together.”
Focus on Mental Strength for a Comeback
After the match, Jeonbuk players discussed their current situation in the locker room, agreeing that they cannot afford to drop more points if they are to challenge for the championship. “Now that we are in the second half of the season, we talked about being more focused and playing better as we chase Seoul,” Lee revealed.
He emphasized that mental fortitude is crucial for a turnaround. Instead of becoming discouraged by the lack of results, the team must concentrate on daily training and maintain stability. “Football performance doesn’t improve or decline overnight. Mental stability is important,” Lee stressed. “Preparing well through daily training and not getting swayed is the most important thing.”
Jeonbuk Hyundai will look to bounce back when they host Pohang Steelers at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on September 5th.
