Director Cho Sung-hwan, who stepped down because it was a "now or late" team
Jul 07, 2024
|
|
a post-match press conference. Coach Cho Sung-hwan, who was holding out calmly, eventually collapsed by this question. The four years with Incheon passed like a beacon. Coach Cho, who collapsed on the table and burst into tears after not answering for a long time, cried "A very precious team." Then "I think I'm doing this more because I've been with really good people for four years. If I didn't have that, I'd throw it away in a cool rage...", he said, expressing his special heart, "A place where good memories and affection have been built, and affection is extraordinary.'
Cho left Incheon. He stepped down on the 5th to take responsibility for his poor performance.
It was a beautiful farewell. Coach Cho's farewell stage was in the 21st round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2024' against Kimcheon Sangmu at home on the 5th. Coach Cho came out wearing a gray suit, not his usual training suit. It was an example for the fans. Coach Cho, who announced his intention to resign to the players before coming to the stadium, seemed to want to break the winless streak with his own hands, focusing on winning rather than resigning himself.
In the end, Mugosa's theater equalizer in the 43rd minute of the second half ended 1-1. Although he failed to break the winless loop, he succeeded in escaping the losing streak. After the game, Incheon's team rinsed Cho, and the name of 'Cho Sung-hwan' rang out from the stands. The atmosphere was so sweet that I couldn't believe he was a manager leaving because of poor performance. Of course, it's not the result, but it was the ending that director Cho usually wanted.
For Cho, Incheon was a 'very precious team' as he said. Coach Cho, who left Jeju United as a wild man, formed a relationship with Incheon in August 2020. As soon as we met, 'Chemistry' exploded. At that time, Incheon was evaluated as 'demoted this time'. The club also left the baton to head coach Cho and said, `Let's focus on promotion next season rather than this season.' But 'Cho Sung-hwan Magic' went off. Incheon had an incredible rise, and eventually succeeded in a dramatic stay.
This miraculous stay changed Incheon. Coach Cho voiced his opinion that he should no longer be satisfied with staying. Incheon, where Cho, Jeon Do-soo, and Lim Joong-yong were completed, began to emerge as a "strong team" by shedding the image of 'remaining king'. Incheon, which ranked eighth in 2021, finally paid off in 2022 amid aggressive investments. He ranked fourth in the league and recorded the highest record in the club's history. For the first time in the club's history, it succeeded in advancing to the Asian Champions League. Last season, Incheon also succeeded in advancing to Final A by ranking fifth.
It is the result of the power of various members, but director Cho was also at the center. Cho awakened Incheon with his warm yet cool leadership. Cho was serious about Incheon. He always wore a watch and sneakers that represent Incheon. Whenever he met, he showed his affection for the club. He was more active in club events than anyone else, and he not only spoke out directly if necessary, but also opened his wallet. In particular, Cho cared about Incheon fans. I always felt grateful for the fans who gave passionate support regardless of home away. Coach Cho spent his own money on the team's first ACL game in Yokohama, Japan, to support fans' away support. Coach Cho was more disappointed than anyone else that the supporters were closed due to the water bottle pitching incident. He also added a fine at his own expense.
Coach Cho said, `I will leave the water in every game and cheer and pray for Incheon to do well.' He even rejected the club's offer to hold a farewell ceremony in consideration of the team's situation in the crisis. Coach Cho said "This year is a crisis" even before the season. In the end, it worked out as he worried. Coach Cho took responsibility, saying, `If it's not this time, it's too late.' It was a possible choice because Incheon was 'a very precious team'.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
