The fact that Gangwon coach Yoon Jung-hwan was selected as the K-League Coach of the Year for the first time in his career means a lot to both Yoon himself and Korean soccer.

At the “Hana Bank K League 2024” award ceremony held at the Swiss Grand Hotel Convention Hall in Hongeun-dong, Seoul on the 29th, Yoon received seven votes from coaches, seven captains, and 89 media votes, beating Ulsan coach Kim Pan-gon (17.33 points) and Gimcheon coach Jeong-yong (16.98 points) in third place with 65.69 points.

As a result, Yoon became the first Korean to win the J-League Coach of the Year award as a member of Cerezo Osaka in 2017 and became the first Korean to win the J-League Coach of the Year award in seven years, writing the first history of winning the head coach award in both the top leagues in Korea and Japan. It is very unusual for a Korean leader to make performances in both leagues with different league environments, cultures and styles. To date, only Yoon has actually made achievements in Japan.

Yoon said, “In Japan, the team’s performance was much better than now, and I was confident that I would win the Cup. It hasn’t been long since I came to the K-League, but I didn’t even think about it. No matter how successful the team is, there are winners and other leaders, so I didn’t think deeply about it. But I’m grateful for this. Whether it’s Japan or Korea, it’s good to win an award. I’m glad to be the first coach.”

Yoon, who had a reputation as a genius midfielder representing Korean soccer when he was active, became the first Korean to promote his team (Sagan Dosu) from the J2 League to the J League in 2011. In 2017, he gave Cerezo the third place in the league, the League Cup, and the double title of the Japanese King’s Cup. It was a first achievement since he failed to take charge of Ulsan for two years from 2015 to 2016. Afterwards, he took the helm of Gangwon Province in June last year after serving as the coach of Muangtong United (Thailand) and Jeff United (Japan), leading the team to a dramatic stay in its first year, and this year, he set a “Gangwon Fairy Tale” that will lead Gangwon to the runner-up in the league, the best performance in history, with his outstanding strategies such as successful transformation into a hot attacking football and position destruction.

“I’m honored that you gave me such a big award. When I was in a difficult situation while serving as coach of this team last year, I thought I should take the lead. Fortunately, what I thought while staying in the team was that I will play soccer unique to Gangwon next year,” Yoon said. “I did a good job drawing pictures with senior coach Chung Kyung-ho, presenting directions and playing various tactical roles. Our players have been following me well since the winter, and we fought with earnestness, so we have become a stronger team.”

“I think it’s a great reward for me to have a star named Yang Min-hyuk. After this, Min-hyuk is leaving, and I feel uncomfortable. I want to praise him for doing well even at a young age for a year. (Hwang) Mungi is going to the military next year, and it’s a pity to go to the military at a good age. It’s when the water goes up, and it’s a pity to leave it behind,” he said, adding, “The reason why our players received so many awards is because our team did well, prepared well, and produced results.”

Yoon is the coach who led “Donghwa in Gangwon Province,” but it is uncertain whether he will accompany him next season. Yoon’s contract with Gangwon ends next month. There is an option to extend the contract by two years, which the Gangwon club can trigger within this month, but negotiations on conditions are essential. According to a soccer official, Yoon took the post in Gangwon Province last year by lowering his salary, which he received when he was in Japan. He demanded a salary increase as much as his performance was achieved this year, but the Gangwon leadership is reluctant to Yoon’s terms. In line with this, rumors are circulating that Kim Byung-ji, CEO of Gangwon Province, had another manager in mind. If this continues, Yoon, who is the first Gangwon club to qualify for the Asian Champions League, and won the first managerial award as a member of Gangwon, is more likely to leave Gangwon Province this winter. 토토사이트

Asked about renewing his contract with Gangwon, Yoon said after the award ceremony, “Not everyone would have thought about winning the runner-up prize in Gangwon Province. Gangwon Football showed the hottest performance this year. It will be the same for any leader who wants to be evaluated,” adding, “It is up to Kim Byung-ji to make a decision. Even so, it may be difficult for a provincial team to play for, but I think the coach should receive such evaluation in many ways. We are discussing on that matter. I am cautious to say anything when the decision has not been made.”

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