Jung Kyung-ho, Head Coach of Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] Head Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC utilized a 'megaphone' during a recent event.
Kangwon experienced a 2-4 loss to FC Seoul during the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' round 34 match at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th.
This loss, following a comeback, was unexpected for Kangwon. In the first half, Kangwon executed strong forward pressure, complicating Seoul's offensive strategies. They maintained control through coordinated build-up plays. Kim Gun-hee scored in the first half, and Mo Jae-hyun added another goal with a penalty kick at the beginning of the second half.
Nevertheless, beginning in the 27th minute of the second half, Kangwon conceded three goals within seven minutes. Lingard scored multiple goals, followed by Ryu Jae-moon, and Chun Sung-hoon secured the victory for Seoul with a decisive goal near the end.
Following the match, Kangwon's fans presented a megaphone to Coach Jung. This gesture was not solely related to the loss against Seoul.
Recently, Kangwon has shown a notable disparity in performance between the first and second halves. In the first half, Coach Jung's strategy is effective, but the team struggles significantly in the second half.
Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
In the game against FC Anyang (Round 32), Kangwon conceded an equalizer in the closing moments after leading 1-0. In another match against Daegu FC, a 2-0 lead turned into a 2-2 draw. In the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against Vissel Kobe, a 3-0 lead in the first half resulted in a 3-3 draw by the second half. Despite securing a win with Kim Gun-hee's extra-time goal, concerns mounted, culminating in the recent defeat to Seoul.
Kangwon supporters expressed dissatisfaction with these performances, prompting Coach Jung to address the fans using a megaphone. During the post-match press conference, Coach Jung commented, "I believe the fans feel similarly. They are likely more disappointed than we are. They have consistently encouraged us to maintain intensity in the second half. I take responsibility and aim to make improvements."
While improvements in second-half performance are acknowledged as necessary, opinions differ regarding the use of a 'megaphone' by Coach Jung. Last season, Kangwon unexpectedly finished as runners-up and achieved a spot in Final A for two consecutive years. They currently hold third place in the ACLE with six points from two wins and one loss. A K League official questioned, "Given Kangwon's performance and the club's size, is this criticism justified?"
Jung Kyung-ho, Head Coach of Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
The turnaround in the match was largely attributed to the quality of Seoul's substitute players. This season, Kangwon has faced challenges related to foreign player availability, and this match was no exception. Lingard's performance was influential, while Kangwon had no foreign players on the bench due to Gabriel's suspension for accumulated yellow cards. This raises the question of whether Kangwon's performance with primarily domestic players is praiseworthy. An official remarked, "Moreover, is this not Coach Jung's first official season as head coach?" While enhancing second-half strategies and substitution decisions are necessary, a pragmatic perspective is essential.
Coach Jung also expressed his mixed sentiments. "I lose sleep analyzing opponents," he stated, highlighting, "Reflecting on our past performances, we were runners-up last year and reached Final A this year. Our progress is evident. The same applies to my development as a coach." He added, "I understand that fans desire better outcomes and performances. Improvements in second-half scenarios will be made. It is crucial for us to unite in our efforts," he appealed for support.