K-League 1 facing off from the start ‘Hyundai is a rival’ Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai started wrestling outside the field. In addition to winning the opening game, it predicted a war without concessions over the K-League championship trophy this season.스포츠토토
Ulsan Hyundai manager Hong Myung-bo and captain Jeong Seung-hyun, Jeonbuk Hyundai manager Kim Sang-sik and captain Hong Jeong-ho attended the ‘Hanawon Q K League 1 2023 Opening Media Day’ held at The-K Hotel in Yangjae-dong, Seoul on the 20th and sat side by side in the center, crossing each other to become champions. He did not hide his will to sit down. Ulsan, which achieved its dream of winning last year after 17 years, returns to its original mind and draws two consecutive victories. On the other hand, Jeonbuk, which lost its 6th straight K-League 1 defeat to Ulsan, is calling for a comeback as a challenger. The two teams will face off in the official opening match held at Ulsan Munsu Stadium on the 25th at 2:00 pm.
◇ Early ignition of the championship fight with ‘Amano’… “If you win 3 times, you win” towards each other,
it was the existence of Japanese midfielder Jun Amano that ignited the battle for the title early on. Last year, he transferred to Ulsan from Yokohama Marinos on loan in the Asia Quarter, and contributed to the championship by recording 9 goals and 1 help (30 games) while playing the role of a tactical key player. Then, after the end of the one-year lease with Ulsan, he moved to Jeonbuk as a surprise. Coach Hong strongly criticized Amano for leaving the team without respect even after promising to stay, calling him “the worst Japanese.” Amano said that Ulsan did not have an active attitude, and said, “Jeonbuk’s offer came first.” Hyundai deserves to be a new story for Derby simply because the winning player moved to a rival team.
Director Hong said at Media Day, “I just pointed out Amano’s wrong behavior last year. I have nothing more to say,” he said. Coach Kim also said, “There was an unfortunate incident, but it is important for players to show (a good game) on the field. He emphasized that the team will work hard to show good performances in Jeonbuk.”
Rivalry between the two teams aggravated by the Amano Incident. They designated each other as ‘three-win opponents’ in three regular league matches this season. Jeong Seung-hyun said, “If you win all three games, you get 9 points. If that is possible, of course I hope it will be Jeonbuk.” Then Hong Jung-ho, who was sitting next to him, looked at Jung Seung-hyun with a meaningful expression and smiled, saying, “It’s fun.” “We also want to pick Ulsan as our 3-win opponent. Then we can win.”
◇Ulsan ‘Public Enemy’?… Kim Sang-sik’s wit “Gangwon coach Choi Yong-soo will help”
Coach Kim openly asked Gangwon coach Choi Yong-soo for a ‘helper’, mentioning his goal of ‘Treble (three crowns)’ including the league. He said, “Personally, I want Gangwon to beat Ulsan and reach the semifinals. Last year, I lost 4 times against Ulsan. I want you to work harder,” he said. Then Director Choi said, “Director Kim Sang-sik asked for it to the point of persistence. 4 losses against Ulsan. Of course, it is unacceptably jinxed. I don’t think director Kim should worry too much,” he said with a laugh.
Like the ‘defending champ’, Ulsan was a ‘public enemy’. Kim Seung-dae, the captain of Pohang Steelers, an ‘East Coast rival’, said, “If the fans point out the team they want, I will make it win 3 times” in response to the question, “Who wants 3 wins?” Naturally, Pohang fans shouted “Ulsan!” Then Kim Seung-dae confidently replied, “There is nothing I can’t do.” Choi Young-joon, captain of Jeju United, also said, “It is Ulsan (against 3 wins). I am the champion last year, and I was in Jeonbuk (previously),” he said, referring to the blood of the “Green Corps (Jeonbuk).”