It is a “pleasant rebellion” by Kim Cheon-sang. He is speeding up to No. 1 despite his expectations before the opening of the tournament.
Gimcheon Sangmu, led by head coach Chung Jung-yong, had 13 wins, seven draws and five losses (46 points) in 25 matches of Hana Bank’s K League 1 2024. It passed the All-Star break as No. 1. Nobody expected this. Gimcheon is the only team that was promoted this season. It was classified as a candidate for the relegation zone until the opening of the season.
It exceeded expectations. Gimcheon accumulated points by banking on its strong defense and sharp attack capabilities. While conceding the first goal, it also scored an equalizer and an upset goal to display concentration. The team wisely overcame the crisis of “end-of-age sergeant-new soldier replacement” from June to July. Some of its late-stage sergeant, including Kim Jin-gyu, Kim Dong-hyeon, and Kim Jun-hong, remained in the team and served as bridgehead for the team. Lee Dong-kyung, Lee Hyun-sik, and Won Ki-jong, who joined the team, immediately stepped on the ground without leaving any gap at the training center.
His performance is different from previous years. Gimcheon had difficulties during the transition period when the team was replacing its players. It was different this season. Gimcheon had six wins, one draw and three losses in its 10 matches between June and July. Notably, it maintained its No. 1 position by winning 2-1 in an away game against the Pohang Steelers, which it played just before the K-League All-Star break.
“I was worried if the players would be able to melt down tactically. The recruits are doing a good job. It will be a turning point where I can take a step further in the military. Now is the time for me. Young players can dream bigger,” Chung said.
Gimcheon had a short all-star break but a delicious break. According to the Gimcheon club, the players took a four-day vacation and took a rest. In particular, 스포츠토토 the players who joined the army in April had not been able to go on vacation after completing the training camp. This is because most of the players played immediately after they were deployed. Thanks to this, I recharged them with a honey-flavored vacation when they needed a break.
Gimcheon will play a home game against Gangwon FC at Gimcheon Sports Complex on Sunday. The team is not an easy match. Gangwon is ranking second with no loss in the recent three games (two wins and one draw). The two teams are ranking first and second with two points in between.
“It is not expected to be an easy game. The atmosphere in Gangwon Province is scary these days. However, as it is a home game, we have to show good performance to our fans. We will do our best,” Chung said.