Suwon Samsung head coach Kim Byung-soo, who is going through a difficult time, expressed his sympathy for the recent medical emergency of a Suwon fan.
Suwon hosts Pohang Steelers in the 22nd round of the Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
After a dramatic draw away to Daejeon in the previous round, Suwon remains at the bottom of the table (W2 D5 L14 D11). However, the addition of summer transfer signing Kim Gum-yeol has been effective, raising hopes for a rebound.
Speaking to the media before the game, Kim said, “It wasn’t enough, but it was positive. We still have a long way to go. We only had two days off and it hasn’t shown on the surface yet, but I hope our players will be more confident today.”
There was also a medical emergency in the Daejeon match when one of Suwon’s fans temporarily lost consciousness and collapsed. It was after the end of the game, and the Suwon medical team and Daejeon team responded quickly, saving a precious life.
“I was very surprised, and in a way, it’s no one else’s business. It’s our situation,” he said.
“I was surprised, and it’s no one’s business, but it’s the situation we’re in right now,” Kim said. “It was about the pride of being a Suwon fan,” he said. I was very moved. At times like this, we want to be stronger and give them hope, but everything is not forced. I think it’s important to see us doing our best, and to have an unbreakable heart, even though it’s a cliché.”
When asked which of the quotes resonated with him the most, Kim said, “‘It doesn’t matter where we play soccer. We are Suwon,’ 안전놀이터 and that’s not something that just anyone can say.”
Kim and Acosti will start the game on the bench after their strong performances against Daejeon. “Acosti is an unavoidable choice because of the U-22 resources,” Kim said. He’ll come in quickly,” Kim said, adding, “Rubber and Mullich are thinking about the second half.”
Suwon is also facing a physical challenge. “It’s really hard,” Kim said. “It’s very hard, but every team is looking at this as a time when their physical strength is dropping,” he said, adding, “In Korean soccer, you can’t not talk about mental strength. It’s sad, but it can also be absolute. I think we need to be more mentally prepared for that.”