When he returned to injury, the coach left.. Incheon Captain Lee Myung-joo "Drop everything and focus for Incheon"

Jul 10, 2024

When he returned to injury, the coach left.. Incheon Captain Lee Myung-joo 'Drop everything and focus for Incheon'
photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association
When he returned to injury, the coach left.. Incheon Captain Lee Myung-joo 'Drop everything and focus for Incheon'
photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association
There was no 'Director' on the ground that returned after 70 days. Incheon United Captain Lee Myung-joo (34) returned from injury, but a lot has changed in the 10 weeks. Incheon, which was knocking at the top, is worried about staying. Coach Cho Sung-hwan voluntarily resigned, taking responsibility for his poor performance. Lee Myung-joo bowed her head saying, `I'm so sorry that we couldn't overcome such a difficult time together.'

Lee Myung-joo played as a substitute in the 32nd minute of the second half when he faced Daegu FC 0-0 in the 22nd round of the '2024 Hana Bank K League 1' held at DGB Daegu Bank Park in Daegu on the 9th. It wasn't a long time, but Lee Myung-joo showed off her light physical movement and improved her sense of practice. The game ended 0-0. Lee Myung-joo fractured his collarbone and even underwent surgery on May 1 in a landslide against Jeonbuk (3-0) in the 10th round. I recovered perfectly for about 2 months. But I couldn't just laugh.

Incheon is in a state of emergency. Captain Lee Myung-joo's leadership is desperate. Until just before Lee Myung-joo left, the atmosphere in Incheon was good. He was poised to gain momentum by sinking Jeonbuk and rising to fifth place. Coincidentally, a nightmare came as Lee Myung-joo fell out. Incheon has one win, six draws and five losses since the 11th round. There has been no win in the last nine games (5 draws and 4 losses). In the end, coach Cho Sung-hwan put down the baton himself after the 21st round against Gimcheon on the 5th. Head coach Byun Jae-seop hurriedly took over as acting coach. Lee Myung-joo " (Cho Seong-hwan) trusted me and gave me the captaincy, but I couldn't repay you."He blamed himself.

Former coach Cho left worrying about Incheon until the last minute. Lee Myung-joo looked back saying, `The director told me that this situation is now that all family friends should be abandoned and everyone should focus on Incheon.' Incheon was awakened by former coach Cho's resignation. Lee Myung-joo may not have been alert as the season approached halfway through. The director gave us a clear message while making that choice. Whether the players played or not, I felt that they were united with one heart and one heart even when they sat on the bench."

When he returned to injury, the coach left.. Incheon Captain Lee Myung-joo 'Drop everything and focus for Incheon'
photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association
Incheon ranks ninth with four wins, 10 draws, 8 losses and 22 points through the 22nd round. It is five points different from the lowest Jeonbuk, but it is also five points different from the top split, sixth-ranked FC Seoul. Acting head coach Byun Jae-sup said, "We will maintain the existing framework of Incheon and try to turn the tables by adding aggressive colors." He said "We're the counterattack style after the preparation. There are so many turnovers that it takes a lot of stamina. He wanted to play a game to increase possession while owning the ball. You can't just play defensive soccer forever. He emphasized that we should play a lot of ball possession and have fun attacking soccer" he said.

Jungwon Commander Lee Myung-joo's responsibility has become more severe. Fortunately, I came back in good condition again, not too late. Lee Myung-joo said, `Even during the rehabilitation, the fans cheered and encouraged me a lot. I really appreciated it. As I'm back on the field, I'll show you a good performance on the field. When examined, all the bones stuck well. Now, there is no problem with the physical fight at all. He expressed confidence, saying, "You just have to raise your senses." Acting Byun Jae-seop also put in "20 minutes because he said he could do it." After the clavicle surgery, I hesitated because I was a little careful about the bump, but my body looked better than I thought," he said, expressing anticipation.

The desperate mindset is really important in the future. Lee Myung-joo "As coach Cho Sung-hwan said, we should give up everything and focus only on soccer. Everyone makes an effort. You have to drag it every day on the basis of strong mental strength."



Reporter Han Dong-hoon dhhan@sportschosun.com



dhhan@sportschosun.com