First win in K League 2 and promotion to K League 1 confirmed with 0-0 draw with Bucheon
At the post-game press conference, his wife and team manager cried while announcing their battle with cancer.
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon, the ’novice coach’ who led professional soccer team FC Anyang to win its first K-League 2 championship and promotion to K-League 1, shed tears as he expressed his gratitude to his wife, who found out the day before his promotion that he was suffering from cancer.
Anyang drew 0-0 with Bucheon in the Hana Bank K-League 2 2024 Round 38 away game held at Bucheon Stadium on the afternoon of the 2nd.
Anyang, with 62 points, widened the point gap with 3rd place Seoul E-Land (55 points), with two games remaining, to 7 points, confirming their victory in K League 2 regardless of the result of the final game.
Coach Yoo, who joined Anyang as a founding member in 2013 and has been with Anyang for a long time, ascended to the command tower this season and led the team to promotion in his first year in charge.
However, after promotion was confirmed, Coach Yoo burst into tears that he had been holding back.
He couldn’t forget what he said for a while after revealing that his wife and interpreter/manager Noh Sang-rae, who handles the team’s dirty work, had thyroid cancer.
Coach Yoo said, “Manager Noh postponed the surgery because of his challenge to win. I appreciate it. “My wife also went to the hospital yesterday and was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.”
He then shed tears, saying, “It’s not a major cancer, but I’m so sorry and grateful that you shared my stress.”
Director Yoo’s wife, despite being diagnosed with cancer the day before, came to the stadium that day and cheered for her husband’s promotion.
Director Yoo said, “I hope Manager Noh undergoes the surgery well. “My wife is now planning to go to a large hospital to undergo a detailed checkup, including cytology.”
He, who achieved Anyang’s dream of being promoted after 11 years, said, “There is a lyric in Anyang’s cheer song called ‘Foolish guys,’ and today’s promotion will be dedicated to the stupid guys (fans) who can’t live without Anyang.”
He expressed his determination, saying, “This year, we ‘survived and then fell,’ but next year, I want to build a team that doesn’t collapse like a zombie.”
[부천=뉴시스]
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Title: Triumph and Emotion: An Exclusive Interview with Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Coach Yoo. It’s a pleasure to have you here, especially after such a monumental achievement with FC Anyang. First, congratulations on your promotion to K League 1! How does it feel to lead the team to their first championship in K League 2?
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon: Thank you! It feels incredible, honestly. This has been a long journey for all of us at FC Anyang, and to finally see our hard work pay off is just surreal. The players, the staff, and the fans all played a huge role in this success.
Time.news Editor: It was a tense game against Bucheon where the promotion was confirmed with a 0-0 draw. What was going through your mind during the match?
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon: Initially, I was focused on the game, but I couldn’t help but feel the weight of what was at stake. Knowing we only needed a draw to secure our position made it tense, but I was proud of the team for holding strong. They showed great resilience throughout the match.
Time.news Editor: After the game, it was reported that you broke down in tears. Would you like to share what emotions were overwhelming you at that moment?
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon: Yes, it was a flood of emotions. It was a mixture of joy from achieving this milestone and sadness from my recent family struggles. I had just learned that my wife was diagnosed with thyroid cancer the day before our promotion. It was hard to hold back, especially knowing the sacrifices my family and I have made.
Time.news Editor: Your wife made the effort to support you at the stadium despite her diagnosis. That’s quite a testament to your family’s strength. Can you talk a bit about her support and the encouragement you’ve received from those close to you?
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon: My wife has always been my biggest supporter, even when facing her own challenges. It means the world to me that she was there, cheering for the team on such a significant day. Both she and our team manager, Noh Sang-rae, have shown unparalleled dedication despite their health battles. They inspire me to push forward, even when things get tough.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of Manager Noh, he too has made sacrifices for the team’s success. He postponed his surgery to focus on helping you achieve this victory. How do you feel knowing your personal and professional lives intertwine in such a challenging context?
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon: It’s bittersweet. I am incredibly grateful for Manager Noh’s commitment, but it also saddens me to think of the toll it takes on our health. We all want to be successful, but I want to ensure we prioritize our well-being above everything. I truly hope he can schedule his surgery soon and can focus on recovery.
Time.news Editor: With your promotion to K League 1, there are likely new challenges ahead. How do you plan to navigate the transition and what are your goals for the upcoming season?
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon: K League 1 will be a significant step up, and we need to prepare thoroughly. My goal is to ensure our team maintains the spirit and work ethic that got us here. We need to build on this momentum, reinforce our squad, and approach every match with determination. It is a new chapter, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.
Time.news Editor: looking back on your journey with FC Anyang, what does this achievement mean to you personally?
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon: This is a dream come true for me and the culmination of years of hard work. It’s not just about the victory; it’s about the bonds formed and the trials overcome with my team and family. I hope this inspires others in similar situations to persevere, no matter what challenges they face.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Coach Yoo, for sharing your story with us today. Your journey is inspiring, and we wish you and your family the best in the coming months. Best of luck in K League 1!
Coach Yoo Byeong-hoon: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you.