'Bull'Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) has an early crisis.
Wolverhampton fell into an early slump. Hwang Hee-chan, who was the ace last season, is being pointed out as the main culprit. Wolverhampton, who had not won a single league since the opening of this season, tried to rebound from the Cup, but lost again. Wolverhampton lost 2-3 in the third round of the Carabao Cup 2024-2025 season against Brighton at Amex Stadium in Brighton, England on the 19th (Korea time).
Hwang Hee-chan also showed sluggish performance on the day. Hwang Hee-chan, who played as a right flanker, played 71 minutes, but failed to prevent his team's defeat. According to soccer statistics media Footmob, Hwang Hee-chan recorded one shot, zero effective shots, one big chance miss, and one dribble. He received the third-lowest rating of 6.4 points in the team.
After the game, Hwang Hee-chan was criticized by the Wolverhampton area magazine 'Molinho News'. Molineux News reported that `Hwang Hee-chan was struggling again, and manager Gary O'Neill Wolverhampton faced problems.' Molineux News reported that O'Neill played young and inexperienced players against Brighton. In these games, the role of experienced veterans was important. However, Hwang Hee-chan failed to fulfill that role 'Hwang Hee-chan was one of O'Neill's favorite players last season. But I'm having a hard time this season." He then criticized Hwang Hee-chan's performance against Brighton, saying, `To be honest, Hwang Hee-chan's performance against Brighton was terrible.'
Molineux News reported 'Hwang Hee-chan was barely seen in the game. Only 21 touches were recorded, the fewest of the starters. For 71 minutes, the touch was the same as Nelsong Semedo, who played 26 minutes. 'You can't play in this form. Without controversy Hwang Hee-chan is one of Wolverhampton's worst players to date. So far, the situation is really tough. I don't see the same threat as last season at all.
Hwang Hee-chan started consecutively in the opening match against Arsenal and the second match against Chelsea, but failed to play against Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, which led to poor play. I got a chance against Brighton for the first time in a long time, but I was sluggish again.
It's an unexpected result. Hwang Hee-chan was Wolverhampton's ace last season. Hwang Hee-chan, who wore a Wolverhampton uniform in 2020, has just continued to do so, but he emerged as a top striker through last season. He was considered the most decisive player in the English Premier League, displaying amazing determination. He scored a career-high 13 goals. He scored 10 goals in the first half alone. He received rave reviews from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and even earned the nickname `The Korean Guy.'
Wolverhampton, encouraged by Hwang Hee-chan's performance, pushed for a renewal. He renewed his contract until the summer of 2028 with the highest salary in the team. Hwang Hee-chan received a love call from a big club all summer. Coach Roberto de Gerby, who took the helm of Marseille in recognition of his leadership at Brighton, wanted Hwang Hee-chan. Hwang Hee-chan chose to stay in Wolverhampton. Hwang Hee-chan "I had to make a big decision this summer"Marceille made me an offer, and I spoke to O'Neill several times. De Zerby called me almost every day." Then "I trusted the director (O'Neill). He said I was a very important player, which gave me faith. After O'Neill said that, I said I would stay at Wolverhampton and give it my all."
He expected a consistent performance this season, but Hwang Hee-chan was reduced to Gye-reuk in his worst form. First of all, Molineux News said it was more about position than Hwang Hee-chan's skills. Molineux News is 'Maybe it's a position issue. Some people point out that Hwang Hee-chan is not effective when he plays in a large space. 'Wolverhampton came into the box more often from the centre last season because he didn't have a traditional striker, but this season he can't because he has Jergen Stran Larsen.'
In the end, Hwang Hee-chan has no choice but to overcome himself. Rumors of a release have already been made in the British media. The Athletic have three months left before the winter transfer window opens. If he does not regain his starting position by then, there will be new discussions about the future in January next year.'" As bad as things are in Wolverhampton, there doesn't seem to be much time.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
