Gimcheon Sangmu had the best performance ever. At the center was Chung Jung-yong, the coach who challenged K League 1 for the first time this season.
Gimcheon concluded the 2024 season with a home game (1-3) against FC Seoul on Nov. 23.
Gimcheon recorded 18 wins, nine draws and 11 losses (63 points) in 38 K-League matches this season. It finished this season by ranking third among 12 K-League teams. The third place in the K-League is Sangmu’s best record ever.
Chung led the team to the K-League 2 championship by taking the helm of Gimcheon last year. In this season, Chung created a sensation in the K-League 1 and competed with Ulsan HD and Gangwon FC for the title.
Gimcheon did not lift the trophy, but it showed a performance and result that completely overturned the expectations of the soccer community.
We listened to coach Chung Jung-yong, who finished this season after the match against Seoul on the 23rd.
Q. I finished the 2024 season in third place in the K League 1.
I think I had a lot of fun with my fans throughout the year. I’m a little disappointed with the results of the last game of this season at home, but looking back on the year, I always did my best. I’m really grateful to the fans. The fans cheered me on regardless of whether I won or lost. The team staff and all the troops supported me a lot out of sight. I think this has led to the third place this season. Thank you.
Q. Did you expect Gimcheon to perform like this this this season.
As you all know, we were selected as candidates for relegation before the opening of this season. That’s what everyone in the soccer world thought. We upset the soccer world’s expectations. It’s because of the players. The players did their best every moment and came to this place. As we play this season, I think we have clearly set the direction for Gimcheon to move forward. I think it will be possible to move forward with a clear goal in the future. It was a positive season.
Q. At what point did you think, “We can achieve higher-than-expected results” this season.
We pick players from the K-League and form teams. They are definitely outstanding in terms of individual abilities. My role was important here. I had to instill strong motivation in the players. I did my best to make turning points in my soccer career for the players.
Q. Was there anything difficult.
If not, it would be a lie. Key players announced their discharge from the military when the team was in the best mood this season. New talented players came in, but they went through a training center. I needed time to build up. There were situations where it was difficult but I had to overcome. I will continue to challenge myself. Of course, since I ranked third this year, I can’t guarantee that I will achieve second place or higher next year. However, I will challenge myself for the fans.
Q. How about looking back on one season personally.
“I am a civilian worker (laughs). If I pass the guardhouse, I will not be able to go outside until it is time to go home. On the positive side, I have more time for self-improvement. It is time for me to watch more European soccer games than before. I did my best to become a better leader. I will continue to do so.
Q. Are you satisfied with the performance of national midfielder Lee Dong-kyung this season.
“I need to do more.” (Lee) Dong-kyung is a player with that ability. I have seen him since elementary school. I saw how talented he is in representing players by age group and confirmed his growth. I will not be satisfied with him this season. I know this for sure. I will try my best to show better performance. I will show better performance next year. I will help him well.
Q: You made a huge splash in the K League 1 this season. You are nominated for the K League 1 Coach Award.
“I’m not the one.” Ulsan coach Kim Pan-gon, who won the title, and Gangwon coach Yoon Jeong-hwan, who led the team, should receive the best performance ever. They are excellent leaders. They received as many awards as they received in 2019. I am grateful. It was all thanks to the players that I was nominated for the Coach Award. “I am satisfied with the nomination. 온라인카지노
Q: Other clubs are on leave after the final match of the league. What are the rest plans for Chung and the players.
“I am a civilian worker. I have a fixed vacation. Players are military personnel. They cannot take more than a month off like other players at other clubs. Players will take advantage of their vacation to take rest. Players who are not on vacation should make up for their shortcomings while serving in the military. Our coaching staff should help players make the best use of this time.