Is it the appearance of K-League coach Jose Mourinho?
Gwangju FC lost 0-2 in the second round of ‘Hanawon Q K League 1 2023’ against FC Seoul held at the Gwangju Soccer Stadium on the 5th. Gwangju defeated Suwon Samsung 1-0 in the opening game, but lost the first home game and stayed with 3 points (1 win, 1 loss).
Gwangju dominated the first half. Coach Lee Jung-hyo’s soccer, which made the team from last season, was perfectly implemented. Strong frontal pressure and quick counterattacks with activity were harassing Seoul. At the end of the first half, Um Ji-sung even scored a goal with a perfect breakthrough. However, the goal was canceled as Sandro’s foul was declared through video review (VAR).
In the second half, things turned completely upside down. Seoul made a change by putting in Park Dong-jin, Willian, and Han Chan-hee. Gwangju was sent off in the 10th minute of the second half after Um Ji-seong received a warning after 2 minutes, and was left behind. Seoul led the game afterward, and Osmar and Park Dong-jin scored consecutive goals to win the game.
After the game, Lee’s remarks became a hot topic. Director Lee said, “It is more resentful than regretful. It is most frustrating to lose to a team that plays soccer like that. So will the players. In order for Korean soccer to develop in the future, a team with colors like Gwangju must bring results. It is an unacceptable defeat. Of course, I do not think badly of Seoul and coach Ahn Ik-soo, so I hope there are no misunderstandings.”
It was a top-notch interview. Coach Lee said he hoped there would be no misunderstanding, but he couldn’t hide the nuance that ‘Gwangju’s soccer was superior to Seoul’s. It was clear that the remarks were at the level of vicious language beyond honesty. Naturally, Seoul fans were outraged and pointed out the lack of respect for the opponent.
Seoul players also expressed uncomfortable feelings. Vice-captain Lim Sang-hyeop posted a picture of the victory over Gwangju on his social media (SNS) after the game and said, “I can’t play a good game every time I play for a year. Players who endured like today are the best. Pros speak with results.” Hwang Eui-jo also responded with a comment saying, “This is football.”
Coach Lee stuck to his clear tactical characteristics and interview style in the K League 2 last season. He has expressed his thoughts on several occasions. At the opening Media Day of this season, they declared war, saying, “I will show Gwangju soccer in front of Suwon fans.” Now he has changed as he gets older, but he is similar to manager Mourinho, who drew attention with his unstoppable interviews in the past.
Football officials also expressed similar opinions. A football official said, “Director Lee’s interview was one of the hot topics in the second division. It is an honest expression of the feeling of not being able to win even after playing a good game in this game.”
However, “I can understand the reaction of Seoul fans and players. When coach Ahn Ik-soo came to Seoul, Seoul pursued pass football under the name of ‘Iksu-ball’, but the results did not come out. As a result, fans’ dissatisfaction grew, and this season, some changes were made for the results. Seoul fans will feel that the process so far and the players’ efforts for the game have been ignored. The next confrontation between the two teams has become heated.” 메이저사이트
This season, the K-League is on fire with toxic interviews. Hong Myung-bo, manager of Ulsan Hyundai, criticized Jun Amano, who left for Jeonbuk Hyundai, as “the worst Japanese player.” I was resentful.
The interview war went beyond Ulsan and Jeonbuk, Suwon FC and Jeju, and now led to Gwangju and Seoul.