Coach Jung Kyung-ho’s Tactical Approach in the K League 1/Korea Professional Football League
[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] In an intriguing turn of events, Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC found himself at the center of attention with a megaphone in hand.
Kangwon FC experienced a 2-4 defeat by FC Seoul during the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' round 34, held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on October 26th.
The nature of this loss was particularly striking for Kangwon. Initially, the team displayed aggressive forward press tactics, significantly hindering Seoul's offensive strategies. Through a coordinated build-up play, they dominated the first half, resulting in Kim Gun-hee’s goal and Mo Jae-hyun’s penalty kick early in the second half.
However, a critical lapse occurred starting from the 27th minute of the second half, where Kangwon conceded three goals in a rapid seven-minute sequence. Lingard netted twice, Ryu Jae-moon equalized, and Chun Sung-hoon finalized the win for Seoul.
The post-match actions of Kangwon’s traveling supporters presented Coach Jung with a megaphone, not just due to the Seoul match’s result.
Analyzing recent performances reveals a distinct pattern in Kangwon’s gameplay: the first half showcases effective execution of Coach Jung’s strategic framework, yet a consistent drop in performance is evident in the latter half of matches.
Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
Against FC Anyang in Round 32, Kangwon relinquished a 1-0 advantage, conceding an equalizer near the end. A similar scenario unfolded with Daegu FC, turning a 2-0 lead into a 2-2 draw. In the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) against Vissel Kobe, a 3-0 lead evaporated into a 3-3 draw before a late goal from Kim Gun-hee secured the win, yet the pattern of second-half vulnerabilities persisted, climaxing in the Seoul defeat.
Fans have voiced their discontent regarding these performances, prompting Coach Jung to address their concerns using the megaphone. In the press conference, he acknowledged, "The fans' disappointment is understandable. Their call for stronger second-half performances is valid, and I accept the responsibility to make improvements."
While enhancing second-half tactics remains a priority, the gesture of the megaphone to Coach Jung has sparked debate. Last season, Kangwon achieved unexpected success as runners-up and maintained a competitive position, currently third in the ACLE with 6 points from 2 wins and 1 loss. A K League representative questioned the degree of criticism, given the club's resources and competitive stature.
Coach Jung Kyung-ho’s Tactical Challenges/Korea Professional Football League
Crucially, Seoul's comeback was facilitated by their effective use of substitute players, an area where Kangwon struggled, attributed to a lack of foreign talent. In this fixture, Lingard emerged as a pivotal substitute, while Kangwon's bench lacked foreign players, highlighted by Gabriel’s suspension due to yellow card accumulation. This situation raises questions about the feasibility of securing favorable outcomes with a predominantly domestic lineup, especially considering this is Coach Jung's inaugural season in an official capacity. Addressing second-half tactical adjustments and optimizing substitution strategies are vital tasks, yet a pragmatic assessment is warranted.
Coach Jung expressed his determination to resolve these issues. "I am continually analyzing our opponents," he stated, underlining the club's progression from a runner-up finish last year to reaching Final A this season. "Our growth is undeniable, both as a team and for myself as a coach," he asserted. "I understand the fans’ desire for elevated performances and I am committed to refining our second-half approach. It's crucial for us to unite and work towards common goals," he concluded, soliciting continued support.