 |
| AFP Yonhap News |
|
 |
| Hodrigo Gomes. Source = Wolverhampton SNS Capture |
|
'The Korean Guy'Hwang Hee-chan (26, Wolverhampton) is likely to be excluded from the starting list for the opening match of the English Premier League (EPL) in the 2024-2024 season, local media said.
Wolverhampton's magazine 「Molinho News」 predicted on the 4th (local time) that Hwang Hee-chan could face an unexpected scenario in the opening match against Arsenal. The first round of the season against Arsenal will be held at the Emirates Stadium in London on the 18th.
The media said that Hwang Hee-chan, who scored the most 12 goals in the team in the 2023-2024 season, is suddenly threatened with his starting position, but it is Rodrigo Gomes, who joined this summer.
Winger Gomes, acquired from Portuguese club Braga, is considered the most impressive Wolves player on the U.S. preseason tour. He scored multiple goals to lead the team to a 3-1 victory against West Ham on the 28th of last month, and scored an additional goal in the second half against Leipzig on the 4th to help it win 3-0.
Wolverhampton manager Gary O'Neill has given Gomes a huge compliment. The club posted a picture of Gomes scoring a goal and cheering on social media on the 5th and wrote "Best Preseason." Fans are also cheering for the appearance of 'pre-season Ronaldo'.
 |
| AFP Yonhap News |
|
 |
| 황희찬 SNS |
|
The "Molinho News" O'Neill placed Pedro Netu on the right and tested Gomes on the left against Leipzig. This could pose a threat to Hwang Hee-chan. If Gomes starts against Arsenal, the attackers could be Matheus Cunha, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Gomes and Netu", he predicted.
It would be extremely harsh for Hwang Hee-chan to sit on the bench, but it is natural to want a competitive squad. O'Neill longed for it in his first year in charge." The report in the `Molinho News" comes after rumors of Hwang Hee-chan's transfer to the Olain Peak de Marseille have subsided. Marseille actively targeted Hwang Hee-chan this summer, but reportedly turned to another target when it was not possible.
Hwang Hee-chan played as a substitute against West Ham and Crystal Palace in a row. In the match against Leipzig, he played a role in helping Gomes score an additional goal, but failed to score a long-awaited goal and was replaced by Gonzalo Gedes in the 32nd minute of the second half.
He is having an unsatisfactory pre-season in many ways, including hearing racist comments from opposing defenders during a friendly match with Como.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
