An Analysis of Jung Kyung-ho’s Coaching at Kangwon FC in the Context of the Korea Professional Football League
[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] In a symbolic gesture, Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC was handed a 'megaphone' by the team's away supporters.
In a significant turn of events, Kangwon FC succumbed to a 2-4 defeat against FC Seoul during the 34th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025,' held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th.
This loss, characterized by a dramatic reversal, was unexpected for Kangwon. Initially, Kangwon employed high-intensity pressing, complicating FC Seoul's attacking maneuvers. Their strategic build-up play led to an early goal by Kim Gun-hee, followed by Mo Jae-hyun converting a penalty kick at the commencement of the second half.
Nevertheless, from the 27th minute of the second half onwards, Kangwon's defense faltered, conceding three goals within a span of seven minutes. Lingard’s multiple goals, Ryu Jae-moon's equalizer, and Chun Sung-hoon’s decisive strike solidified FC Seoul’s triumph.
The discontent among Kangwon’s traveling supporters, symbolized by the megaphone handover to Coach Jung, extended beyond this singular defeat.
Kangwon’s recent matches have highlighted a stark discrepancy in performance between the first and second halves. Coach Jung’s tactical approach seems effective initially, yet the team frequently collapses in the latter stages.
Performance Analysis of Kangwon FC within the Korea Professional Football League
In the 32nd round against FC Anyang, Kangwon conceded a late equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Subsequently, a 2-0 lead against Daegu FC also dissolved into a 2-2 draw. In the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) clash with Vissel Kobe, a 3-0 halftime advantage ended in a 3-3 draw, with a last-minute victory salvaged by Kim Gun-hee’s extra-time goal. These patterns culminated in the disappointing comeback defeat against Seoul, fueling fan anxiety.
In response to these outcomes, Kangwon’s supporters have voiced their dissatisfaction. Coach Jung, addressing the fans post-match with a megaphone, acknowledged their grievances, saying, "The fans likely share our disappointment. They have consistently urged us for stronger second-half performances. I accept this criticism and am committed to resolving these issues."
While addressing the second-half deficiencies is imperative, opinions diverge regarding the symbolic 'megaphone' gesture towards Coach Jung. Despite recent setbacks, Kangwon’s performance, having secured a runners-up finish last season and achieving Final A status consecutively, raises questions about the fairness of the critique leveled at the team, currently third in the ACLE with 6 points from two wins and a loss. A K League official remarked, "Given Kangwon’s achievements and resource constraints, is this level of criticism justified?"
An Assessment of Jung Kyung-ho’s Strategic Management at Kangwon FC in the Korea Professional Football League
A critical factor in FC Seoul’s comeback was the impact of their substitutes, an area where Kangwon has struggled, particularly regarding foreign player availability. In this fixture, Lingard emerged as a pivotal figure, while Kangwon lacked foreign players on the bench due to Gabriel’s card suspension. This raises the question of whether the team’s domestic orientation should be seen as a limitation or an accomplishment. An official noted, "Moreover, this is Coach Jung’s inaugural season as head coach. While improving second-half strategies and bench management is crucial, a balanced perspective is necessary."
Coach Jung expressed the complexities of his role, saying, "I am tirelessly analyzing opponents to enhance our performance. Reflecting on our achievements as runners-up last year and our Final A entry this season, our growth trajectory is evident. I understand the fans' aspirations for greater success. I am committed to rectifying the second-half challenges. It is essential that we consolidate our efforts moving forward," he urged, seeking continued support from the fanbase.