Both teams grapple with managerial changes and injury challenges ahead of their match in Anyang
Category: Sports
On September 6, 2026, FC Anyang will host Gangwon FC at the Anyang Sports Complex for a highly anticipated match in the K League 1. As the teams enter the 27th round of the season, Anyang sits in eighth place with 34 points, and Gangwon is just ahead in fifth place with 37 points, making this match a key contest for both sides.
The match comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for FC Anyang, where managerial instability has created uncertainty within the team. Following a string of poor performances, including a staggering 7-2 defeat to FC Seoul, head coach Yoo Byung-hoon and general manager Lee Woo-hyung both expressed their intentions to resign due to the team’s disappointing results. This decision left the club in a precarious position, with a four-match losing streak since August weighing heavily on their morale.
Fortunately for Anyang, the situation was quickly resolved. On August 31, Anyang's mayor, Choi Jae-min, convened a meeting with Yoo, Lee, and the club’s supporters’ association to discuss the crisis. After a heartfelt discussion, both Yoo and Lee decided to withdraw their resignation letters and continue with the club, a decision that brought a sense of stability back to the team.
Historically, FC Anyang has struggled against Gangwon, having not won a match against them since their promotion to K League 1 in 2025. In their five encounters since then, Anyang has managed only two draws and three losses. This poor record adds pressure on them to perform at home, especially as they seek to climb the league standings.
Meanwhile, Gangwon FC is dealing with its own set of challenges as injuries have plagued the squad. Key players such as Choi Byeong-chan, Ko Young-jun, and Kang Tu-ji are sidelined, limiting the team’s options as they prepare for this important match. The absence of these players, combined with the recent call-ups to the Asian Games for Lee Gi-hyuk, Shin Min-ha, and Lee Seung-won, has left Gangwon’s lineup significantly weakened.
Gangwon's head coach, Jung Kyung-ho, acknowledged the difficulties posed by these absences, stating that the team has not won in their last three matches and that they need to devise tactical adjustments to overcome their current slump. Their recent form shows just three wins, four draws, and three losses over their last ten matches, which has raised concerns about their ability to secure a spot in the upper half of the league.
As the match approaches, both teams are focused on their strategies. FC Anyang will look to capitalize on their home advantage, hoping that the reinstatement of their managerial duo will invigorate the players. Anyang's lineup includes Chan Hyun-woo, Kim Un, Ailton, Mateus, Kim Jung-hyun, Danny Barker, Joo Hyun-woo, Lee Chang-yong, Kwon Kyung-won, Kim Dong-jin, and Kim Jung-hoon, all of whom will be eager to turn their fortunes around.
On the other hand, Gangwon's lineup will feature Kim Gun-hee, Jessie, Mo Jae-hyun, Kim Dong-hyun, Seo Min-woo, Kim Do-hyun, Lee Yoo-hyun, Park Ho-young, Karim, Kang Jun-hyuk, and Park Cheong-hyo. Notably, their star player, Kim Dae-won, will start on the bench, adding another layer of tactical maneuvering for Jung as he prepares his side.
Looking ahead, the match will serve as a test for both teams and as a potential turning point for their respective seasons. With only three points separating them in the standings, the outcome could significantly impact their playoff aspirations. Jung emphasized the importance of the match, stating, "This is a chance for our younger players to gain valuable experience, and we need to make the most of it. We must be prepared to fight and perform at our best."