'Bull'Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton)'s crisis looks unusual.
Wolverhampton came from behind to lose 1-3 in the fifth round of the English Premier League in the 2024-2025 season against Aston Villa at Villa Park in Birmingham, England on the 21st (Korea time). Wolverhampton, who failed to win for the fifth time in a row since the opening, fell to the bottom with one point (one draw and four losses).
Hwang Hee-chan was listed on the replacement list, but he failed to get on the ground in the end. Manager Gary O'Neill turned a blind eye to Hwang Hee-chan's name despite changes in the offense with Gonzalo Guedes and Hodrigo Gomes. Hwang Hee-chan did not play for the first time this season.
Hwang Hee-chan played full-time in the opening match against Arsenal, and in the ensuing match against Chelsea, he started and played only 59 minutes. Hwang Hee-chan, who was replaced in the third round against Nottingham Forest in the 15th minute, was only deployed in the 26th minute of the second half in the fourth round against Newcastle United. He did not play at all in the fifth round.
Hwang Hee-chan was selected as a right-sided striker in the Brighton and Carabao Cups on the 19th, but he was in the worst shape and was eventually not called out in the league.
As the situation turned out, Hwang Hee-chan was at the center of criticism. Wolverhampton Local magazine 'Molinho News' said that Hwang Hee-chan was struggling again, and O'Neill 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.'" With the absence of Hwang Hee-chan, rumors of a crisis appear to be accelerating. As bad as the situation in Wolverhampton is, there doesn't seem to be much time.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
