Jung Kyung-ho, Head Coach of Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] Kangwon FC's head coach, Jung Kyung-ho, was handed a megaphone by the team's supporters.
On the 26th, Kangwon FC was defeated 2-4 by FC Seoul in the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' round 34 match held at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Kangwon's loss to FC Seoul was significant as the team initially demonstrated strong offensive tactics. Kangwon's aggressive forward play in the first half limited Seoul's ability to attack, and they took control through strategic build-up plays. Kim Gun-hee scored in the first half, followed by Mo Jae-hyun's penalty kick at the beginning of the second half.
However, from the 27th minute of the second half, Kangwon conceded three goals within seven minutes. Lingard scored twice, Ryu Jae-moon added a goal, and Chun Sung-hoon secured the win for Seoul with a late goal.
Post-match, away fans of Kangwon FC presented a megaphone to Coach Jung, reflecting broader concerns beyond the loss to Seoul.
Kangwon FC has shown contrasting performances between the first and second halves of games. Coach Jung's strategies are effective in the first half, but the team struggles significantly in the second half.
Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
In a recent matchup against FC Anyang (Round 32), Kangwon conceded an equalizer after leading 1-0. Similarly, a 2-0 advantage against Daegu FC ended in a 2-2 draw. In the AFC Champions League Elite match against Vissel Kobe, a 3-0 lead diminished to a 3-3 draw, despite a subsequent win with Kim Gun-hee's extra-time goal. These patterns culminated in the loss to Seoul, raising concern among fans.
Kangwon supporters voiced their dissatisfaction, and Coach Jung used a megaphone to apologize to them. During the post-match press conference, he acknowledged the fans' disappointment, stating, "They've always encouraged us to push harder in the second half. I accept this responsibility and aim to address it."
While improving second-half performances remains a priority, the decision to give Coach Jung a megaphone has sparked debate. Kangwon, who finished second last season and reached Final A for two consecutive years, currently stands third in the ACLE with 6 points. A league official questioned the level of criticism, considering the team's overall achievements and resources.
Jung Kyung-ho, Kangwon FC Coach/Korea Professional Football League
Seoul's substitutes, particularly Lingard, played a pivotal role in their comeback. This season, Kangwon has faced challenges due to the absence of foreign players, with no foreign substitutes available in this game due to Gabriel's suspension. This situation raises the question of whether the team’s achievements with mainly local players are commendable. An official noted, "Isn't this Coach Jung's first full season as head coach?" While improving second-half tactics and substitutions is essential for Coach Jung, a balanced view is necessary.
Coach Jung expressed his determination to enhance performance. He stated, "I am thoroughly analyzing our opponents and losing sleep over it," adding, "Considering our progress to the finals last year and this year's achievements, our development is apparent. I understand fans' desires for improved outcomes and performances. I am committed to correcting second-half issues, and I seek unified support now."