Jung Kyung-ho, the Visionary at the Helm of Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] At the heart of the Seoul World Cup Stadium, amidst the echoes of a challenging defeat, Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC found himself wielding an unexpected tool: a megaphone.
In the intense atmosphere of Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th, Kangwon FC endured a bruising 2-4 loss to FC Seoul during the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' round 34 match.
The unexpected defeat was a jarring moment for Kangwon. Their tactical approach was evident from the opening moments, with aggressive forward pressing that left Seoul struggling to establish their usual rhythm. Kangwon's play was characterized by a seamless and cohesive build-up, allowing them to control the game's tempo. This strategy paid off when Kim Gun-hee found the back of the net in the first half, followed by a successful penalty kick from Mo Jae-hyun at the onset of the second half, seemingly setting the stage for a triumphant outcome.
However, the tide turned dramatically from the 27th minute in the second half, as Kangwon witnessed a rapid unraveling. In a mere seven minutes, they conceded three goals, resulting in a disheartening collapse. Lingard spearheaded the reversal with multiple goals, Ryu Jae-moon followed with a goal that rekindled hope for Seoul, and Chun Sung-hoon clinched the victory with a decisive strike as the match drew to a close.
In the aftermath of this challenging defeat, Kangwon's traveling supporters handed Coach Jung a megaphone—a gesture that transcended the immediate result against Seoul.
Lately, Kangwon's performances have starkly contrasted between halves. Coach Jung's tactical blueprint seems to operate with precision in the first half, overpowering opponents. Yet, as the game progresses, a stunning decline in form becomes apparent, leading to disappointing outcomes.
Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
The recurring theme of faltering in the latter stages was evident in previous encounters. In their clash against FC Anyang (Round 32), a narrow 1-0 advantage was nullified by a last-minute equalizer. Similarly, a comfortable 2-0 lead against Daegu FC ended in a 2-2 stalemate. Even in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) against Vissel Kobe, a formidable 3-0 first-half lead dissipated into a 3-3 draw, though they managed a win with Kim Gun-hee's dramatic extra-time goal. Such patterns of anxiety culminated in the dispiriting turnaround against Seoul.
The frustration of Kangwon fans was palpable, prompting Coach Jung to address them with a megaphone, expressing his apologies. In the subsequent press conference, he acknowledged, "The fans share our sentiment, perhaps feeling more let down than us. They have persistently urged us to maintain intensity in the second half. I take full responsibility and promise to address these concerns."
While enhancing second-half performances is undeniably a priority, there is a divide in opinions regarding the 'megaphone' incident involving Coach Jung. Despite last season's surprise runner-up finish and back-to-back Final A appearances, along with a current third-place standing in the ACLE with 6 points from 2 wins and a loss, there are those who question if the criticism is disproportionate, given the club's stature and achievements.
Jung Kyung-ho, the Strategist Steering Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
A significant aspect contributing to Seoul's successful comeback was the strength of their substitutes. This season, Kangwon's foreign player contingent has been a notable vulnerability, evidenced in this match. Lingard played a pivotal 'game changer' role, while Kangwon lacked foreign substitutes due to Gabriel's suspension from yellow card accumulation. The question arises whether it is commendable for Kangwon to achieve favorable results with a predominantly domestic squad. One official remarked, "This is Coach Jung's inaugural official season. Balancing second-half tactics and substitution strategies are tasks at hand, yet a pragmatic view is essential."
Coach Jung also reflected on his intricate emotions. "Sleepless nights are spent analyzing our rivals," he shared, emphasizing their historical progress, "We were runners-up last year and have reached Final A again. Our growth trajectory is evident. This applies to my journey as a coach as well." He concluded with a commitment, acknowledging the fans' aspirations for greater success and pledging, "I will work tirelessly to rectify our second-half issues. Let us unite and channel our efforts towards future victories," he implored for collective support.