It was a commanding tower with a strong color of a corporate club. He was once even said to be a ‘rich boy’. Not anymore. The words “for the people of Gangwon-do” never left the lips of director Choi Yong-soo, whom we met in Gijang, Busan. Gangwon FC is conducting the second field training in Busan, following Chonburi, Thailand.

Leading the heyday of FC Seoul, he once again proved his worth in Gangwon. In November 2021, Choi took the baton of Gangwon’s ‘relegation crisis’. He overcame the hurdle with a near-miraculous stay, and last year he created a new wind with a completely different level of reversal. They placed 6th in the K-League 1 and finished the season in Final A, which is proudly ‘upper’.

Now, the soil for bigger dreams has been prepared, but the excitement was not detected. “Last year, with good luck, the top split brought more than expected results. This year, the first goal is to once again challenge the top split. I want to spend a good season. It will be a difficult year, but I want to enjoy it and do my best to show a good image.”

Regarding the opening of the K-League, which is approaching in 15 days, he did not hide his confidence, saying, “I am half excited.” Coach Choi said, “Neither I nor the players want to mention the word ‘satisfaction’ about last year’s results. It is true that expectations have become higher.” In terms of content, I want to show the upgraded points compared to last year. The passion of the players has improved. I will try again through solidarity.”

‘Choi Yong-soo’s children’ is alive and well. Kim Dae-won, who scored 12 goals and 13 assists and took first place in the overall K-League 1 offensive points, and Yang Hyun-joon, who appeared like a comet and recorded 8 goals and 4 assists and won the Young Player Award, are the face of Gangwon. There are no major recruitments, but there is a ‘new face’. Dino, who ended the season early due to an injury last year, returned, and Uzbek special Alibayev, ‘multiplayer’ Yoo In-soo, and defender Kim Woo-seok were newly transfused. 메이저놀이터

Director Choi foreshadowed diversification of available power by saying, “Soccer is not played as a player. He also said of Kim Dae-won and Yang Hyun-joon, “I don’t want any more. I hope they do as much as last year.”

On the 26th at 4:30 pm, Gangwon will play its first match against Daejeon Hana Citizen, who have been promoted to the first division this season. Coach Choi overcame a fierce challenge in the promotion playoffs 14 months ago and succeeded in remaining.

“As the head of a team, winning for the fans is natural. The K-League box office success or a good issue will be a good issue. Everything has changed. It is a team that is respected as a first division team and has a competitive edge.”

Coach Choi, as always, chose the defending champion, Ulsan Hyundai, as the opponent he wanted to win. Gangwon has not surpassed Ulsan in over 10 years. He said, “One team remains. Ulsan. I heard a lot of bad things from Jeonbuk coach Kim Sang-sik after last season.” I really want to win,” he laughed.

Lastly, coach Choi said, “It will be fun because the midfield competition will be fierce this year. We have to squeeze into it from the standpoint of a challenger. The only thing I can think of is what kind of gift we will give to the people of Gangwon-do with exciting football. I want to go through the procedures correctly,” making viewers look forward to ‘New Gangwon’ in ‘Season 3’.