“I don’t evaluate myself,” replied Yonichi when asked if he was satisfied with his performance after his return to Incheon.
Incheon United, led by coach Cho Seong-hwan, won 2-0 at the match against Daejeon Hana Citizen in the fourth round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2024 held at Incheon Football Stadium at 2 p.m. on Thursday. Gersault scored the first goal in the 37th minute of the first half, and Hong Si-hoo scored an additional goal in the 1st minute of the second half, securing three points. It was Incheon’s first victory of the season, which had no previous win with two draws and one loss.
Having joined Incheon in 2015 and played until 2016, Yonichi returned to the team in the transfer market last winter. After returning to the team, he started three consecutive games excluding the first round match against Suwon FC and led the team. In the match against Daejeon, he met his Incheon home fan for the first time in 2,703 days.
Speaking to the mixed zone after the match, Yonichi said, “I’m happy to play at my first home game after coming back to Incheon. It’s my first win of the season, and I was especially happy to win in front of my home fans. I always thank my fans for their support.”
Starting in the second round against FC Seoul, Yonichi started three games and played as a sweeper for Incheon’s back three times. He focused his team. When asked to grade his performance, he said, “I don’t judge myself.” The interpreter in charge seemed a little embarrassed, adding, “Yonichi is a humble player, so yes.” Yonichi’s reply clearly conveyed his professional consciousness.
Incheon is a completely different team compared to eight years ago when he played. In the 2022 season, Incheon ranked fourth in the K-League 1, and qualified for the AFC Champions League. Now, the team could seek to compete in Asia. 핑크알바
“Compared to eight years ago, we are definitely a stronger team. We can create more opportunities and even score goals. We have also tried to raise the defense line to the highest level possible, and each player’s skills have improved a lot,” Yonichi said.
He still had affection for his fans in Incheon. “The enthusiasm for the cheering is no different. It is the same as it was eight years ago. We were able to win today thanks to the fans’ passionate cheering.”