Jung Kyung-ho, Coach of Kangwon FC, Korea Professional Football League

[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC used a 'megaphone' to address the issues.

Kangwon was defeated 2-4 by FC Seoul in the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' round 34 match, which took place at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th.

The defeat was unexpected for Kangwon. In the first half, Kangwon applied strong forward pressure, which hindered Seoul's attack development. They maintained control through an effective build-up pattern. Consequently, Kim Gun-hee scored in the first half, and Mo Jae-hyun netted another goal with a penalty kick early in the second half.

However, after the 27th minute of the second half, Kangwon conceded three goals in seven minutes, resulting in their defeat. Lingard scored twice, followed by a goal from Ryu Jae-moon, and Chun Sung-hoon finalized the win with another goal.

Following the game, Kangwon's traveling supporters gave Coach Jung a megaphone. This gesture was not solely in response to the comeback loss against Seoul.

Kangwon has shown a marked difference in performance between the first and second halves in recent matches. In the first half, Coach Jung's strategy effectively dominates the opponent, but the team experiences a significant decline in the second half.

Kangwon FC/Korea Professional Football League

During a previous match against FC Anyang (Round 32), Kangwon, leading 1-0, allowed an equalizer in the final moments of the second half. In a subsequent game against Daegu FC, a 2-0 lead ended in a 2-2 draw. In the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) against Vissel Kobe, a 3-0 first-half lead resulted in a 3-3 draw in the second half. Despite winning with Kim Gun-hee's extra-time goal, concerns persisted and culminated in the comeback loss to Seoul.

Fans expressed dissatisfaction with the performances, and Coach Jung addressed them with a megaphone to apologize. In the post-match press conference, Coach Jung remarked, "I believe the fans share similar feelings. They must be more disappointed than we are. They have always encouraged us to press harder in the second half. I am not avoiding responsibility. It's a valid concern, and I strive to improve."

While improving second-half performance is a clear objective, the 'megaphone' given to Coach Jung has elicited mixed reactions. Last season, Kangwon unexpectedly finished as runners-up and reached Final A for two consecutive years. Currently, they are third in the ACLE with 6 points from 2 wins and 1 loss. A K League official questioned, "Is the criticism excessive considering Kangwon's achievements and the club's resources?"

Jung Kyung-ho, Coach of Kangwon FC, Korea Professional Football League

One factor that contributed to Seoul's victory was the strength of their substitute players. This season, Kangwon has notably lacked foreign players, and this match illustrated that issue. Lingard acted as a 'game changer', whereas Kangwon had no foreign players available on the bench due to Gabriel's suspension from accumulated yellow cards. This situation raises questions about the value of achieving good results with a mostly domestic team. An official previously mentioned added, "Moreover, isn't this Coach Jung's first official season as head coach?" While enhancing second-half management and substitution strategies are necessary for Coach Jung, a realistic viewpoint is also crucial.

Coach Jung expressed his challenges, stating, "I am analyzing our opponents tirelessly," and added, "Our past performance shows progress, being runners-up last year and reaching Final A this year. Our growth is undeniable, both for the team and myself as a coach." He further stated, "I understand the fans' desire for better achievements and performances. I will work on improving our second-half play. Now is the time to unite our efforts," he appealed for support.