Riding high, Incheon United extended its league winning streak to three games with a victory in the Gyeongin derby. Kim Do-hyuk, who has been a key player in the three-game winning streak, vowed not to be complacent and to prepare well for the upcoming matches.
Incheon won 1-0 in the 24th round of the Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 away match against FC Seoul at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22. Mpoku’s goal at the end of the first half earned Incheon all three points.
With their third straight win, Incheon leapfrogged into eighth place with 33 points (8 wins, 9 draws, 7 losses). They closed the gap on third-place Seoul to four points, keeping their chances of qualifying for Final A alive.
Speaking to ‘Goal.com’ after the match, Kim Do-hyuk said, “We did well last year, but we didn’t win three in a row. The coach always told us that we need to win back-to-back games to be in a good position. We created a foothold to make up for it in the second half,” he said after the game.
During the match, Incheon fans showed their support for Kim Do-hyuk by singing his chants. Kim Do-hyuk said, “In recent years, today was the happiest and most emotional moment of my life. The fans came to the stadium again today. Our fans are so cool and I’m always grateful. I really want to play one more step for them,” he said, thanking the fans for their support.
For this season, head coach Cho Sung-hwan has given Kim Do-hyuk a new role. After playing as a central midfielder or winger throughout his career, Kim was given the wingback position. However, Kim’s attempts to change to wingback did not yield satisfactory results. When he returned to his original position, Kim’s performance improved, and Incheon began a winning streak.
“I think I’m much better organized now because I know how the team should move, rather than just playing well on my own,” said Kim. I always believed that we would be this good, and it showed in the results,” he said, passing the ball to his teammates.
Kim Do-hyuk is a veteran player who has played 234 matches for Incheon. He has been playing in the K League since 2014 and is one of the players who can serve as an example to younger players.
“I think I need to show them through my actions rather than words. I’m trying to get along with the juniors. In particular, I try to help (Min) Kyung-hyun do well, and he helps me a lot,” he said, adding, “I think this is how a team is made. The seniors and juniors are doing well, so we are becoming a good team.”
As he continues to play in the sweltering heat of summer, Kim credits his mother’s food and the dedication of club officials for his fitness. “I get my strength from the delicious side dishes my mom cooks for me. I am very grateful to my mom. Also, the club takes great care of my diet in the clubhouse. The physical coach also helps me manage my physical fitness well, so I don’t think I’ll get tired even if I play a lot of games.” 스포츠토토
After the break, Incheon will play an important two-game series against Jeonbuk Hyundai. “During our three-game winning streak, we didn’t get complacent. Jeonbuk is also a good team, so if we prepare well according to the opponent, good results will follow.