Kim Gi-dong, head coach of FC Seoul, emphasized direction once again.

FC Seoul drew 1-1 with FC Anyang in the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Round 12 held at Anyang Sports Complex at 7 p.m. on the 6th, failing to determine the winner.

As a result, Anyang was disappointed to not secure a victory in their home ground in the local derby for the first time. They also failed to avenge their 1-2 loss in the away match in February. Anyang, recording their first draw of the season, positioned themselves 7th with 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses).

Seoul also found it hard to be satisfied with the result. Although they stopped a three-game losing streak, they failed to secure a victory for the sixth consecutive match, missing the chance to rebound. While conceding the first goal was negative, it was unfortunate they could not come back despite launching a strong attack at the end of the match. Seoul positioned themselves 9th with 14 points (3 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses).

The first goal was Anyang's. Anyang opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed shot by Mateus during a counterattack in the 7th minute of the second half. However, Seoul did not crumble easily. In the 36th minute of the second half, Moon Seon-min equalized with a header from Lingard's corner kick.

After the match, Coach Kim Gi-dong noted, "In the difficult situation, I really wanted to win today. I am disappointed that the results did not reflect our efforts. However, as I said before the match, I have never thought that the football we want to play is wrong. I always had difficulties in the beginning, but I ended up with good results at the end."

He added, "Even now when I watch the matches, it’s not that we are not doing well. We are doing well. The only problem is that we are not scoring enough. There are scenes where we concede goals due to individual judgments rather than organizational issues. If we can improve those areas a little more, I believe in myself and the players to rise to a higher level. Although we did not win today, the players did enough well. We will show a better performance in the next match."

Coach Kim Gi-dong expressed satisfaction with the overall performance. He commented, "The attacking play was better executed in the first half than we practiced. Defensively, (Jung) Han-min and (Cho) Young-wook did well, so I think we kept dominating. Honestly, if the match had not gone well after the first half, I would have used my substitution cards immediately, but I told Lingard to stay on for 10 more minutes. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal before that. Still, overall, the preparations were well executed."

How should we improve our scoring abilities, which is our biggest concern? Coach Kim Gi-dong responded, "The process of working to create and finishing in the final third is something every team constantly trains. I think there’s significant psychological pressure on the players. I believe finding a way to alleviate that pressure should be the priority."

The silence of Cho Young-wook, who is expected to play the role of a finisher, is prolonging. Coach Kim Gi-dong mentioned, "I talked to Young-wook. I told him he is doing well. I advised him not to pay too much attention to what the fans are saying. If our performance improves, the criticism will naturally diminish."

He further added, "There are probably many fans who are criticizing me as well. When the performance is not good, the coach faces criticism. I must endure that. Players must also have the strength to overcome burdens during difficult times. Only then will players grow and improve. I discussed that with Young-wook as well."

It was a fiercely contested match, both for the players and the spectators. Coach Kim Gi-dong stated, "Both teams had a strong desire to win. They were showing determination not to lose in one-on-one duels. From that aspect, I think the audience enjoyed themselves. The crowd's distraction was a secondary issue," he said, adding, "Anyways, I think such a spirit in the K League makes it entertaining. I liked to see the players compete without holding back."

Seoul also had many long-range shots in this match. Coach Kim Gi-dong said, "There are various methods for the team when retreating. They can draw the opponent out and build up. Many fans call it 'U-shaped build-up,' but it’s necessary. They should draw the opponent out, quickly switch sides, take long-range shots, or cross to create pressure. Long-range shots can also be very helpful," indicating they are looking for solutions.

[Photo] Provided by the Korea Professional Football League.

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