Fans protested Kim Pan-gon's "external pressure" remarks, but that's not what he felt...Ulsan in Transitional Period of Generational Change
Fans protested Kim Pan-gon's "external pressure" remarks, but that's not what he felt...Ulsan in Transitional Period of Generational Change
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"The external pressure is high, and I hope the players overcome it."
Ulsan HD coach Kim Pan-gon, who drew without a goal in the seventh round of the "Hana Bank K League 1 2025" home game with FC Seoul on the 5th, said with great regret shortly after the game. However, the expression "external pressure" must have sounded somewhat sad to Ulsan fans. In this regard, Kim explained, "It is an external expectation for victory," and right after the game, fans' criticism comments were posted on Ulsan's social media, such as "Is the fan's desire to win external pressure?" and "Is it pressure if there are many spectators in the stadium?"
This is a mistake in expression. Kim must have wanted to express his wish that he would not feel pressured and play his part considering that fans have high expectations with his "defending champion." However, since he used the word "pressure," it was hard for him to accept it as a fan who cheered for him.
Both the team's head and its fans are in pain. Ulsan had no win (two draws and two losses) in four consecutive league matches due to its draw against Seoul. It is the first time in seven years that Ulsan has failed to win four consecutive league matches since it lost four consecutive games from the opening to the fourth round in 2018. Although it is not as bad as it was at the time, coach Kim, coaches, and players are all frustrated as they have won three consecutive games and turned downward after losing the opening game.
Coincidentally, the team has faltered since the injury of "Central Command" Bojanić. However, Ulsan has not depended on a specific player while it has won three consecutive league titles over the past three seasons. The team also had strong bench strength.
Naturally, it can be interpreted as a transition period following a generational change. Ulsan put together a large number of veterans who had played the leading role for three consecutive losses last winter. It transfused young players who showed good performance in other teams. Most of the resources were mobility suitable for the color of offense-oriented defense that head coach Kim aims for.
In fact, the team's speed is assessed to have improved compared to the previous season. The problem is that the team's performance is not good enough to add a positive effect to the existing "Ulsan-like" style, but rather different colors.
Coach Kim tried to add to the color that Ulsan aims for by sending veterans Lee Chung-yong and Kim Young-kwon as starters at the same time in a long time against Seoul. He failed to score due to lack of scoring ability, but showed better performance than the previous one. 먹튀검증
There are many opinions that the new face should be able to melt into the team while actively utilizing experienced veterans. The generational change that the team aims for is certainly a necessary part, but if it is too radical, it is difficult to demonstrate the power of the "defending champion." It remains to be seen what kind of resource coach Kim will use in the 8th round away match against Daegu FC on the 13th.