Gangwon FC is having its best year.
Gangwon has recorded 15 wins, seven draws and 10 losses (52 points) in 32 K-League 1 matches this season. It ranks third among 12 K-League 1 teams. Gangwon is trailing second-ranked Gimcheon Sangmu by four points. It is six points shorter than the first-ranked Ulsan HD FC.
Gangwon’s best record in the K League 1 is sixth. It is highly likely that the team will break its all-time record this season. If the team continues its winning streak in the final round, away from its last five games without a win, there is also a possibility that the team will win for the first time.
There are some who are taking the lead in showing a completely different move from last year when Gangwon played the promotion playoff.
It is striker Lee Sang-hun (26), who is Gangwon’s most scorer and has the most offensive points this season.
Lee joined Gangwon before the 2024 season, and has scored 10 goals and six assists in 132 K-League matches. Here is Lee’s story.
Q. Gangwon has not won in five games since winning 3-2 against Gwangju FC on Aug. 18.
On September 28, it was the last home game of the regular season league against Daegu FC. I really wanted to win. However, the team scored an equalizer to Cesinha in the final minute, leading to a 1-1 draw. I feel sorry for the fans. It is true that I am frustrated that I have not been able to achieve a win recently. Before the final round, I will make sure to prepare three points to win in the away match against Incheon United.
Q. It is true that the team has slowed down in the last five games, but Gangwon already confirmed its Final A. It is six points shorter than the first-runner Ulsan. We are in a situation that can sufficiently catch up. How is the team’s atmosphere.
I think it would be a lie if I didn’t feel pressure to say, “We need to do better.” Many people say that they are moving toward the best record in the club’s history, but the season is not over yet. I am not satisfied with the current performance and want to do better. I really don’t want to hear people say, “Gangwon is what it is.” Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan, the coaching staff and the players all feel the same way. I will play the rest of the game with more earnestness.
Q. Lee Sang-hun has been playing as a built-in player in Gangwon Province this season. During this season, players who are playing in the front line have changed. He played with Yago, who moved to Ulsan in the first half, and has been playing with Kovacevic since the second half. How is his team’s performance with Kovacevic.
We don’t talk about anything in particular in attack. We are doing our best to win the game, whether it be Kovacevic or me. We talk about defense. “We have to pressure from the front and join the defense.” Organizational power is important in defense. We are making better performances than usual because of the strength of organized defense. I think our teamwork with Kovacevic is getting better and better. We will prepare to score offensive points no matter who is away to Incheon.
Q. After the game against Incheon, we will go into the final round. What motivates the players the most.
“I have a clear goal with my teammates. I am catching up with Ulsan, the No. 1 team. Ulsan is a team that competes for championships every season. I want to catch up with the team somehow. If we narrow the gap between points with Ulsan little by little, I think we will have better opportunities. I will do my best in every game.”
Q: He has 10 goals and 6 assists in 32 K League 1 games this season. He is the most goalscorer and has the most attack points in his team. This is his best performance since his debut as a professional. There are six games left this season, including the final round. Do you have any personal goals. 안전놀이터
I talked with him a day before the home game against Daegu. Manager Yoon Jeong-hwan said to me, “Shouldn’t we still fill 20 offensive points?” I should. Before the opening of this season, he said, “Aim for 10 offensive points.” He presented me 20 offensive points, so I will make sure to achieve them.
Q. The grass condition at Gangneung Sports Complex seems to be very good. The K-League grass condition is very bad after this summer. How about playing at Gangneung Sports Complex.
Many people describe the grass of Gangneung Sports Complex as a “carpet.” I think that’s just right. I think it’s because the grass managers pay great attention to it. Thanks to them, it’s a great help in realizing the soccer we prepared at the training ground. I really want to say “thank you” once again to the people who manage the grass at Gangneung Sports Complex.