[Sports Seoul | Pohang = Reporter Park Jun-beom] \"I want to emphasize that we cleared a critical hurdle.\"
The Pohang Steelers, managed by Park Tae-ha, snapped a two-game skid with a 1-0 victory over Gwangju FC on April 22, 2026, at Pohang Steel Yard in the ninth round of the Hana Bank K League 1. The win moved Pohang up to sixth place with 12 points.
Pohang struck early — Lee Ho-jae curled home a free kick just four minutes into the match — but the visitors struggled to create chances after that. Pohang finished with only two shots, both on target, while Gwangju registered five shots and three on goal.
After the match, Park reflected, \"That was the final game of an eight-match home stretch, and this win gave us a brief respite from a difficult period. Still, we encountered unexpected problems at home, so I don't feel completely at ease. The important thing is that we navigated a turning point.\"
Park added that Gwangju is very active through the midfield. \"They bring plenty of mobility and energy that affects the game, but when you look at how they're set up in the final third, scoring opportunities are limited. That's how I account for the low number of goals,\" he said. beom2@sportsseoul.com
