Jung Kyung-ho, the coach of Kangwon FC, is part of the Korea Professional Football League.
[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC has found himself in the spotlight due to a fan-given 'megaphone.'
In the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' match, Kangwon FC was defeated by FC Seoul with a score of 2-4 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th.
Kangwon's defeat, after leading initially, was particularly unexpected. During the first half, Kangwon exhibited aggressive forward pressure, disrupting Seoul's offensive attempts and controlling the game through strategic plays. This strategy paid off when Kim Gun-hee scored in the first half, followed by Mo Jae-hyun who converted a penalty kick at the beginning of the second half.
Nevertheless, starting from the 27th minute of the second half, Kangwon suffered a setback, conceding three goals within a span of seven minutes. Lingard scored twice, Ryu Jae-moon added a comeback goal, and Chun Sung-hoon clinched the victory with a final goal.
Kangwon's traveling supporters handed Coach Jung a megaphone after the defeat, symbolizing their discontent, which extends beyond this single game.
Recently, a pattern has emerged in Kangwon's games, where they perform well in the first half but falter in the second. Coach Jung's tactics initially outmaneuver opponents, only to see the team's dominance crumble later.
Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League
For instance, in a match against FC Anyang (Round 32), Kangwon led 1-0 but conceded a late equalizer. Similarly, they allowed Daegu FC to level a 2-0 lead into a 2-2 draw. In the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against Vissel Kobe, a promising 3-0 lead concluded as a 3-3 draw, despite a last-minute winner by Kim Gun-hee. Such recurring lapses heightened concerns, culminating in the loss to Seoul.
The fans have voiced their dissatisfaction with these performances, prompting Coach Jung to address them using the megaphone, apologizing for the team's inconsistency. In a press conference, he acknowledged the fans' disappointment, stating, "The fans probably feel more let down than we do. They've urged us to maintain our intensity in the second half. I fully accept responsibility and am committed to addressing their concerns."
While it is evident that improving their second-half play is imperative, opinions differ regarding the appropriateness of the 'megaphone' gesture. Last season, Kangwon unexpectedly finished as runners-up and secured a spot in Final A for two consecutive years. Presently, they are third in the ACLE, having accumulated 6 points from 2 wins and 1 loss. A K League official questioned, "Given Kangwon's achievements and the club's resources, is the criticism justified?"
Jung Kyung-ho, Kangwon FC Coach/Korea Professional Football League
A significant factor in Seoul's comeback was their superior substitutes. This season, Kangwon has struggled with a shortage of effective foreign players, a situation highlighted in this match. Lingard's presence was pivotal, whereas Kangwon lacked foreign substitutes due to Gabriel's suspension from yellow card accumulation. This situation raises the question of whether Kangwon's reliance on domestic players is noteworthy. An official mentioned earlier remarked, "Furthermore, isn't this Jung's first season as the head coach? While improving second-half tactics and substitution strategies is crucial, a balanced viewpoint is necessary."
Coach Jung conveyed his mixed emotions, stating, "I am losing sleep analyzing our opponents," and emphasized, "Looking at our past, we were runners-up last year and reached Final A this year, indicating growth. The same applies to me as a coach." He added, "I understand the fans desire greater success and improved performances. I am dedicated to enhancing our second-half displays. Now is the time for collective effort," he appealed for continued support.