Lingard (FC Seoul) revealed the effect of Kim Ki-dong’s rebuke.
Seoul will play the 36th round of “Hana Bank K League 1 2024” against the Pohang Steelers at 4:30 p.m. on the 2nd of next month at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Seoul hosted a media day at GS Champions Park on the 30th, attended by head coach Kim Ki-dong, captain Ki Sung-yueng and Lingard.
Seoul is currently ranked fourth with 15 wins, eight draws, 12 losses and 53 points. The team is fiercely competing to win tickets for the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE). As Pohang is ranked fifth, the match is more important than ever.
Lingard said, “I achieved my first goal well. There was a crisis early on, but I overcame it well and I am in a good position now. The team, the coach, and the fans all overcame it together. Now we have nothing to lose. I have hope to advance to the Champions League by winning the match against Suwon FC. I will prepare for the remaining three games with full confidence.”
Lingard has scored five goals and two assists in 23 matches so far. Although he does not have many offensive points, he has led Seoul’s offense through his signature simple and sensuous plays. After Ki Sung-yueng, the captain, was sidelined due to an injury, he also displayed leadership as a temporary captain.
Ki Sung-yueng thanked Lingard for making sacrifices for his team, and Kim Ki-dong also praised him, saying, “Now I am Korean. Compared to the past, the environment is not good, but he is showing a sense of responsibility.”
Lingard said he has now perfectly adapted to the K-League. “When I first came to Korea, I didn’t know that I would be as tough as this. I didn’t expect a lot of running and struggling atmosphere. To be honest, I had an easy mind. After the coach reprimanded me in the beginning, I came to my senses. After that, I adjusted to the Korean tempo and now I am clearly understanding it,” Lingard said.
The “criticism” mentioned by Lingard refers to an incident that happened in March. At that time, Lingard played as a substitute in the second half of the third round against Jeju United. Coach Kim pointed out in an interview after the game, “Lingard ran wildly. The player who entered the second half didn’t even fight.” 토토사이트
This was Kim’s “rule of Lingard.” Reflecting on the situation, Kim explained that it was a process to make Lingard on his side. Lingard also said that he noticed Kim’s intention and decided to show him a clean side.
Lingard said, “The coach is very good at man management. He communicates well and manages well. Looking back on his personal career, he performed well under a coach who is good at one-on-one conversations. Not only me but also the team was affected by the coach’s good control over those areas. Now I understand and enjoy his soccer.”