From 'EPL' Lingard guarantees, 'Management is good → Philosophy firm' FC Seoul 'Kim Ki-dong Magic'

Jul 11, 2024

photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association

"It's a completely different team from a few months ago now."

Jesse Lingard (32, FC Seoul) from the English Premier League (EPL) recognized and guaranteed it. FC Seoul 'Kim Ki-dong Magic' is currently in progress.

FC Seoul has embarked on a major reorganization ahead of this season. Coach Kim Ki-dong was recruited in a surprise move. Coach Kim took the helm of Seoul and took on a new challenge. Expectations were high. Coach Kim has consistently shown positive performances at the helm of Pohang. In 2023, he also made great achievements, including winning the FA Cup and runner-up in the K League 1. I opened the lid of this season. It fell short of expectations. It didn't start well. In the opening match against Gwangju FC, they lost to Gwangju FC 0-2. From the match against Pohang on April 13 to the match against Gwangju FC on June 2, he was mired in five consecutive home losses. Some fans have complained. Director Kim said "It's frustrating. As a coach, I have fans' expectations, and I want to give fans a victory." Recalling the days of Pohang in 2019, when he was at the helm for the first time, he had the pain of making a team. It feels similar to then."

It shook, but it didn't collapse. Seoul recorded four wins, one draw, and one loss in six games of 'Hana Bank K League 1 2024' after the A-match break in June, sweeping 13 points. In a home game against Daejeon Hana Citizen held on the 10th, the team overturned its 0-1 defeat to 2-1. As of the 11th, Seoul is ranked sixth with eight wins, six draws and eight losses (30 points).

Director Kim said, `I think I'm getting through the difficult time well. It seems like there is a 'victory spirit' in the team. In the past, there were cases where one goal was allowed to collapse. Now, I can see you trying until the end. It has grown a lot, and I have seen it strengthen."

photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association

Seoul players expressed their strong faith in coach Kim. Lingard said "We had a hard time in the beginning. I think it was a completely different team a few months ago and now. It's become hard. The coach seems to have a good bond with the players. I think the director is really good at 'Man Management'. It helps you to talk comfortably not only inside the training site but also outside. I talk to him every day, too. I think the director is showing an outstanding part. I think that's where trust is built."

"The biggest advantage of Lingard is that he is playing soccer with a clear identity. There is a definite game plan. It's clear what you want. It allows players to understand tactically without much confusion. It wasn't balanced at the beginning of the season, but now everyone seems to be well aware of how to move. When I enter the stadium, it helps me understand how other players move regardless of their specific position. I think the director helps me a lot in this area", he explained.

photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association

Lim Sang-hyup, who has worked with coach Kim since Pohang, said "The coach helps the players to play the most easily. The role each player wants is clear. However, the details vary depending on the game. You can tell just by analyzing my movements. The movement changes little by little depending on the game. The touch with the players is really good, too. Of course, it also clearly tells us where we do wrong.' Ilyuchenko also "The coach's football is clear. I order you to get in the box and create more chances to attack" he said.Seoul will play an away game against Ulsan HD on the 13th.

epi17@sportschosun.com

From 'EPL' Lingard guarantees, 'Management is good → Philosophy firm' FC Seoul 'Kim Ki-dong Magic'

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