"We Can Write a New History" - Bucheon FC 1995's Kazuki Takahashi

Bucheon face a history defining match-up against Suwon FC, after seeing out a home draw against Seongnam on Sunday. Midfielder Kazuki Takahashi talks preparations and the weight of history on the Bucheon squads' shoulders.

 

Preparing for K League's Unusual Play-off Format

Bucheon had a remarkable 2025, reaching the FA Cup semi-final and having a fantastic league season, finishing 3rd. This qualified them for the K League 2 promotion play-off round, facing the winner of the 4th and 5th placed tie. Victory earns a promotion play-off against the 3rd from bottom K League 1 side (Suwon FC), but victory comes with a caveat. A home draw qualifies the home team to go through, but this creates an awkward conundrum for a home side, one which Seoul E-land fell victim to on Thursday, as Seongnam grabbed an 84th minute winner. Speaking on this, Kazuki noted that this is a "strange feeling" knowing that a draw is enough to progress. He stated after Seongnam’s win had given them some momentum that "they have the energy, to go to the next round." 

 

However, after watching the game in Mokdong, Kazuki also expressed that the team were aware of what could happen. "I watched the whole game, so we knew it was going to be difficult... we prepared to win the game." However, things were not so smooth for Bucheon on the pitch, with Seongnam edging the home side in both possession and XG, but without suspended striker Ruiz, they lacked a killer edge. Kazuki acknowledged this noting "something was not working in the first, we were... defending" and especially thanking "the defenders and goalkeeper, because they had many situations that helped us." Nevertheless, Bucheon played it right: "we play as usual, we are happy with the performance."

 

The Weight of History

Bucheon have never played in the top flight, however the club's history traces back three decades, when Yukong FC were registered in the city ahead of the 1996 season, before controversially departing to Jeju Island in 2006. Fans kept the club spirit alive and Bucheon joined the K3 as a phoenix club in 2008, before joining the second tier for the 2013 season. That history is very much in the club's name: Bucheon FC 1995, and Kazuki notes that this is not lost on the players:

 

"That's why I'm here. The players, we know about future and history, and now we are making the history. I think two or three steps we have to get in, and then we can write a new history of triumph, for the club and also for the city. So, this is a very big challenge."  

 

Kazuki being awarded following his 100th Bucheon appearance in October.

Looking to the Promotion Clash with Suwon FC 

Bucheon's dates with destiny come on Thursday and Sunday as they face Suwon FC in a two-legged affair, beginning at home.  Kazuki acknowledges the change: "Playing against a K1 team, it’s not easy." However, there is optimism that Bucheon can dine at Korean club football's top table next year, with Thursday being key. "The first match will be a key game, so hopefully we can make a good result at home and after that, we think about the second match."

 

Bucheon FC 1995 face Suwon FC on Thursday December 4th in Bucheon (7PM), and Sunday December 7th in Suwon (2PM). The winner over the two legs will play K1 football next season.