Three consecutive games are underway between “Teacher” Kim Pan-gon (55), Ulsan HD coach, and “Jeja” Lee Jung-hyo (49), Gwangju FC coach. Although head coach Kim has gained the upper hand, expectations are continuing that the upcoming second game will be a real match.
Gwangju and Ulsan will play the 28th round of K League 1 2024 at 7 p.m. on the 25th at Gwangju Football Stadium. Gwangju, ranked seventh in the league (37 points), will face Ulsan (45 points), ranked third in the home turf.
The upcoming match has drawn attention as a soccer match between the two teams. As the two teams met in the semifinal draw of the 2024 Korea Cup, the three consecutive Cup-League-Cup have been completed in August alone. Kim Pan-gon, who served as the head coach and acting coach at Busan I’Park 17 years ago, has experience coaching Lee Jung-hyo as a player. This is why the two coaches’ reunion with each other drew attention when the match was held at the Korea Cup.
In the first round of the Korea Cup semifinal match at Gwangju Football Stadium on the 21st, when the first face-off was held, Ulsan won 1-0 by protecting Yago’s first goal. For Ulsan, it was a precious victory that broke the four-game losing streak against Gwangju.
However, it was hard to say that it was a complete revenge. While Ulsan’s performance was more dominant in the first place, Gwangju excluded all the main players such as Jeong Ho-yeon, Gabriel, and Kim Kyung-min. On the other hand, Ulsan operated partial rotation. Rather, Gwangju showed outstanding performance as a bench member in the second half.
The match between the two teams will lead to expectations that they will face off each other in the league. Gwangju, which has saved a large number of its key players, seeks to regain momentum at its home turf. The team is seeking to revive momentum of its three consecutive wins in the league that has been suspended.
For Ulsan, it is burdensome to play away games in Gwangju once again. Furthermore, if it is limited to league games, it is continuing its four consecutive losses against Gwangju. Even after Kim Pan-gon’s inauguration, there is still homework to improve performance that is not smooth. Main striker Joo Min-gyu cannot play on the day due to his absence from the previous league game.
After the draw for the semifinal match of the Korea Cup, coach Kim Pan-gon praised Lee, saying, “He is my favorite person. 토토사이트 I also like Lee’s “Today’s Interview.” After hearing this, Lee responded, “I think you have a very good idea. I will prepare a lot.” Attention is focusing on whether Lee’s counterattacks will be made.
Three days after the weekend league game, the second leg of the Korea Cup semifinals will be held at Ulsan Munsu Stadium.