Jung Kyung-ho, who helms Kangwon FC in the esteemed Korea Professional Football League, is at the center of the storm.
[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] The scene was set at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, where Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC found himself at the focal point, holding a 'megaphone' amidst the swirling controversies.
A test of resilience came as Kangwon FC was handed a stinging 2-4 defeat by FC Seoul during the 34th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' series, which unfolded on the 26th.
This unexpected turnaround dealt a heavy blow to Kangwon. Initially, they showed a commanding performance, employing aggressive forward pressure from the onset, which effectively stifled Seoul's attacking plays. Their strategic prowess shone through an organic build-up that kept Seoul on the back foot. This tactical mastery was reflected on the scoreboard when Kim Gun-hee found the net in the first half, followed by Mo Jae-hyun who capitalized on a penalty kick at the dawn of the second half.
Yet, the narrative of the match shifted dramatically when, starting at the 27th minute of the second half, Kangwon's defenses crumbled, allowing three goals in a rapid succession of seven minutes. Lingard's brace, supported by Ryu Jae-moon's equalizer and Chun Sung-hoon's clinching shot, wrote the script of Kangwon's downfall.
In the wake of the game, the traveling Kangwon supporters extended a megaphone to Coach Jung, a symbolic gesture that encompassed more than just the loss against Seoul.
The current season has highlighted Kangwon's Jekyll-and-Hyde nature on the field, where Coach Jung's well-conceived game plans operate seamlessly in the first half, only to unravel as the second half progresses.
Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
A pattern of precarious performances has emerged for Kangwon, visible during the clash with FC Anyang in Round 32. Kangwon was leading with a score of 1-0 until the dying moments of the second half saw them concede the equalizer. In a subsequent encounter with Daegu FC, what began as a 2-0 advantage ended in a 2-2 stalemate. During the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against Vissel Kobe, a promising 3-0 lead at halftime deteriorated into a 3-3 draw. Although Kim Gun-hee's goal in extra time secured a victory, lingering unease culminated in the disappointing comeback loss to Seoul.
Fans of Kangwon, disillusioned by these performances, witnessed Coach Jung step forward with a megaphone to issue an apology. During the post-match press conference, Coach Jung acknowledged the fans' sentiments, admitting, "I believe the fans share our feelings of frustration. They are likely more disheartened than we are. They've consistently urged us to maintain our intensity in the second half. I take full responsibility and recognize the need for improvements."
While it is clear that enhancing second-half performances is a priority, opinions on the 'megaphone' and its implications for Coach Jung are divided. Last season, Kangwon defied expectations by finishing as runners-up and securing a spot in Final A for the second consecutive year. Currently, they are positioned third in the ACLE standings with 6 points from 2 wins and 1 loss. A K League official queried, "Given Kangwon's achievements and the club's stature, isn't such criticism overly harsh?"
Jung Kyung-ho, Kangwon FC Coach/Korea Professional Football League
A pivotal factor behind Seoul's comeback was the quality of their bench, particularly the impact of their substitute players. This season, the foreign player quota has been a notable shortcoming for Kangwon, an issue that was amplified in this encounter. With Gabriel absent due to a suspension from yellow card accumulation, Kangwon's bench lacked foreign players, contrasting sharply with Lingard's role as a decisive 'game changer' for Seoul. The scenario raises a pertinent question: Is it not worth recognizing Kangwon's achievements with a dominantly local squad? One official remarked, "Moreover, isn't this Coach Jung's first official season as the head coach?" While addressing second-half tactics and substitution strategies remains essential for Coach Jung, acknowledging a realistic perspective is equally critical.
Coach Jung candidly expressed the complexity of his situation, sharing, "I am truly sleepless as I delve into opponent analyses," underscoring, "Our ascent from last year's runner-up status to reaching Final A this season is testament to our growth. This applies to me as a coach too." He further conveyed, "I fully understand the fans' desire for greater successes and more dynamic performances. I am committed to enhancing our second-half executions. It is imperative that we come together and channel our collective efforts," he implored, seeking continued support.