Superstars from the English Premier League (EPL), one of the world’s top soccer leagues, and rookies who just started professional soccer, are equal in front of FC Seoul coach Kim Ki-dong (52). Just like the students in front of the homeroom teacher.
Coach Kim Ki-dong, who declared a new challenge in Seoul, the “capital club” after leaving Pohang, which nicknamed him “Cheol-in,” treats his players more sincerely than anyone else. Although he is a strict coach, Kim Ki-dong’s challenge to not pass on the prejudices he has experienced in the past to his students does not stop.
Sports Korea met Seoul coach Kim Ki-dong at GS Champions Park in Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do, the clubhouse of the Seoul club, and heard about his enlightenment as a player, his guiding philosophy based on it, and the straightforward spirit of challenge.
“Going forward without prejudice”… “Chamceung” Kim Ki-dong’s “Hot FC Seoul Life” [above Kim Ki-dong interview] MBTI is also “Yongin-led strategist”… The soccer grandson of “Middle Hit Leader” (Kim Ki-dong interviewer)
▶ Veteran who “fought and won against prejudice” becomes a “deukjang” who unfolds the future of his students
Coach Kim Ki-dong joined the pro league in 1991 and played for 20 years as a pro until his retirement in 2011, and became the first player to play in 500 games. However, was it a comedy from afar, a tragedy from afar? His early career was full of hopelessness.
“When I joined the Pohang Steelers as a trainee in 1991, I entered professional soccer, but I was intimidated by the value of my seniors’ names and skills, so I failed to display my skills. Managers of that era thought that the first team that played games and the second team that did not should be run separately to motivate them. However, even the second-tier ace has no choice but to freeze when he enters the first team. Younger players can do better only when they feel like they are one team while eating and talking with older players. I have also changed my culture in Seoul based on my past experiences. I have to learn a lot from my close relationships with older players so that I can catch them more skillfully when I have a chance.”
Coach Kim, who had to fight against prejudices throughout his career, was able to see the light of the emergence of the “Chamster.” He did not forget the gratitude at the time and continues to teach his disciples, carrying out what he learned from his teacher even as a leader.
“Kim Ki-dong’s early days as a pro soccer player were a struggle to survive.” Kim vowed to “not have prejudices against people.” Back then, leaders focused on interpersonal defense and liked tall and powerful players. They did not give attention to ordinary players who were not as fast and short as me. However, Valerie Nipomnisi, who joined the Korean national team in 1995, while playing for the Korea Merit Elephant (currently Jeju United), was different from other players. Thanks to the evaluation of players through training and the demonstration of individual characteristics, I was able to get a good evaluation. As a leader, I look at players without prejudice, thinking about those times.”
▶ “Big Boss” Kim Ki-dong, who also follows Lingard, said, “There is no pause in the challenge, going forward with Seoul.”
Kim Ki-dong’s nickname when he was the head coach of Pohang is “rehabilitation factory manager.” He helped veterans such as Kim Seung-dae, Im Sang-hyup, and Shin Jin-ho make comebacks and enjoyed their “second heyday.” Kim discovered young talents and helped veteran players rejuvenate, bringing Pohang to the top of the K League 1. 업소알바
Coach Kim’s novel “the secret to player rehabilitation” also came from his experience of overcoming prejudices.
“After playing for more than 20 years, in the second half of the professional league, when he was in his mid-30s, even if he showed disappointment in just one game, he was criticized as ‘he couldn’t play anymore due to his age. A player can’t do well all year round. I was able to rebound veteran players in Pohang and communicate with veteran Ki Sung-yueng-Clinical Cooperative in Seoul, because I experienced the veteran’s mind to confront prejudice until the end of my career.”
Especially regarding Ki, who has intersection of captaincy and team legend, Kim said, “A captain is a person who needs to show his actions more than anyone else. No matter how spectacular his career is, he is not qualified to advise his juniors if they do not work hard in the training ground or on the field,” adding, “However, Ki has shown the best performance in training.” When measuring data during recent training sessions, Ki was the player who played the most. The coach is not defending his captain, but he works really hard. As the coach, I even gave a stimulus to the players, saying, ‘What are you doing when the captain and veteran player are playing so hard?’ There is no blame for Ki’s behavior.”