Gwangju FC coach Lee Jung-hyo (49), who was known for his charismatic performance, was even more critical during the upcoming match. Chung Ho-yeon (24), a key midfielder in Gwangju who is familiar with Lee’s strong gestures, was also surprised.
Gwangju beat Johor Darlle Takjim of Malaysia 3-1 in the third round of the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) of the 2024-2025 season at Yongin Mir Stadium in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province on the 22nd.
Jeong Ho-yeon, a key midfielder in the central midfielder section, started the day and played full time, contributing to his team’s victory. He displayed robust activities and sensational passes in his characteristic to display seasoned management of the game. He added vitality to Gwangju’s soccer team by transcending defense and offense.
After the match, Jeong Ho-yeon met reporters at the mixed zone and said, “It was raining and tough. I was able to play well because the goal was scored earlier than expected.”
Gwangju, where Asani (29) scored multiple goals in the 6th minute of the first half, was holding a 2-1 lead even after giving up one goal.
However, Lee shouted loudly at the players at around 35 minutes in the second half when his team was leading. As Lee made strong gestures and roars in the technical area, the coaching staff stopped him. People who were watching Lee even tried to stop him.
Jeong Ho-yeon, who was playing in the game, said, “The coach told the players to use Asani as he was alone. However, the players couldn’t connect the ball and were in a hurry to kick it out. I think he got angry because what the coach kept saying didn’t work,” and recalled, “He was a bit (movement) strong in this game. He doesn’t usually do that. He threw the ball, which was scary.”
Coach Lee Jung-hyo also said in a post-match press conference, “The game didn’t go as I had asked. The players kept kicking the ball for a long time. Please, I beg of you.” 스포츠토토
Gwangju could not host an ACLE home game at its home stadium. The team played its third match at Yongin Mir Stadium, a five-hour round trip from Gwangju, due to grass problems. “It was a home game, but it was tough. I came up on the weekend by bus. There were no trains. I came here for an away game. I was lucky not to go to Malaysia.”
Gwangju is ranking seventh to advance to the K League 1 Final B. In the ACLE, the team beat Japanese powerhouse Yokohama F. Marinos 7-3 and secured a 1-0 away victory at the Kawasaki Frontale. It even crushed Johor, who is unbeaten in 11 matches (10 wins and one draw) in the Malaysian league. When asked about the difference, Jeong Ho-yeon said, “In the K League, teams that keep facing each other analyze us. ACLE does not let down the opponent team, and fights back. This helped us play effectively,” adding, “The grass on the field was good today. I was able to play well.”