Daegu FC failed to secure a victory for the fourth game despite the coach’s resignation.
At the eighth round of the “Hana Bank K League 1 2024” held at the DGB Daegu Bank Park on Sunday, Daegu had a scoreless 0-0 draw with Daejeon Hana Citizen. Daegu (score: seven) rose to 10th place, beating Gwangju FC (score: six), which had played one less game.
Daegu announced Choi Won-kwon’s voluntary resignation on Wednesday, two days before the match against Daejeon. He took over as acting coach during the 2022 season, leading his team to a dramatic stay, and also made it to the Final A (sixth place) last season. However, he had one win, three draws and three losses in seven league matches this season, which suffered from strong criticism from fans.
After the 5th round of Gangwon FC (0-3 loss), Choi stood in front of the fan and offered an apology. And after the 1-2 defeat in the third round of the Korea Cup against Cheongju FC in North Chungcheong Province at home on the 17th, fans blocked the squad bus. Choi apologized again and bowed his head, but nothing changed. Choi’s son played ball boy in the match against Cheongju, and he reportedly shed tears at the criticism slogan against Choi. Choi also expressed his intention to spend time with his family after putting down the baton.
Thus, Daegu and Choi ended their trip together. Placards hanging from the stadium were all removed. Instead, they put up placards reading, “Let’s overcome the storm and go to the sea of glory.”
Coach Jeong Seon-ho took over the position Choi left. Chung was promoted to the coach position this season after serving as the coach of Daegu’s B team. “I only thought about how to prepare for the game. I didn’t have the luxury to feel pressure or nervous. I feel a lot of responsibility,” he said. “(Choi Won-kwon) has led the team through a lot of difficulties. He sent a message saying, “It’s a huge experience, and I hope you have a lot of fun.” I emphasized the most on players to play soccer while smiling.” 여우알바
All three foreign strikers, Cesinha Edgar Vasselus, were not included in the Daegu squad due to injury. All players were under 22 (U-22) players and seven were included in the team’s roster. The team had to settle for one point without scoring a single shot on goal.
Meanwhile, foreign striker Yago defeated Incheon United 4-1 with his first K-League 1 hat-trick this season in a match held at the Songam Sports Town Main Stadium in Chuncheon. Gangwon secured 12 points, moving to fourth place ahead of Suwon FC in multiple points.