Chengdu: Chengdu Rongcheng head coach Seo Jung-Won attributed his team's 2-1 defeat to Tianjin Jinmen Tigers to a combination of factors in their Chinese Super League match on Sunday. The home side fell behind early, conceding a goal in the 12th minute but managed to equalize in the 25th minute. The match took a turn for the worse when Chengdu's captain, Zhou Dingyang, was sent off just before halftime for stepping on an opposing player. Tianjin capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring the decisive goal in the 59th minute.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Seo expressed regret over the match, noting that despite thorough preparation, the team fell short. He highlighted several issues that impacted the team's performance, including adjustments to the starting lineup and the red card shown to the captain. Seo also mentioned that some players were not in optimal physical condition before the game, forcing alterations to their plans. He emphasized that these factors collectively contributed to the team's loss.
Despite the setback, Seo remained optimistic, suggesting the defeat could serve as a valuable learning experience for his squad. He stated that the loss provides an opportunity for the team to reflect on their identity and improve moving forward.