Daejeon Hana director Hwang Seon-hong, who played the role of ‘firefighter’… “Remaining is not the end, but the beginning of the next season”

Coach Hwang Seon-hong (56) was not relieved even after leading Daejeon Hana Citizens to remain in the ‘Hana Bank K-League 1 2024’. This is because I think we need to prepare for the next season as soon as possible in order to avoid a repeat of the desperate struggle for survival.

Daejeon Hana won 2-1 in the 37th round away game against Incheon United held at Incheon Soccer Stadium on the 10th. 9th place Daejeon Hana (11 wins, 12 draws, 14 losses, 45 points), which has a 4-point gap with 10th place Jeonbuk Hyundai (10 wins, 11 draws, 16 losses, 41 points), will be in the relegation zone (10th to 12th places) regardless of the results of the final 38 rounds. ) Escape was confirmed. Remaining in K League 1 for 2 consecutive seasons.

This is thanks to Director Hwang, who was appointed as a ‘fireman’, and completed his mission. Daejeon Hana was in 11th place with 14 points (3 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses) before Coach Hwang took office on June 3, and its survival could not be guaranteed. However, after that, they succeeded in remaining with 31 points (8 wins, 7 draws, 6 losses). The points accumulated during this period are 5th, following Ulsan HD, FC Seoul (38 points), Gimcheon Sangmu, and Gangwon FC (33 points).

It is no exaggeration to say that Coach Hwang’s appointment changed Daejeon Hana’s fate. This is an even more incredible turnaround considering the fact that he suffered criticism after failing to advance to the semifinals of the U-23 Asian Cup, where he led the U-23 national team in April this year, and missing out on a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The stigma of being ‘the coach who canceled the team’s participation in the 10th consecutive Olympics’ was a burden for Coach Hwang and Daejeon Hana. However, Coach Hwang, who was extremely diligent, used the international break to improve the team’s constitution and lay the foundation for a leap forward. The front office also moved proactively in the summer transfer market, giving strength to Coach Hwang.

Coach Hwang said, “After taking office, I changed the team strategy from 3 backs to 4 backs. “There were risk factors, but we expected that the risk would be reduced if we actively defended at the front,” he said. “We tried to utilize the strengths of our players as much as possible, such as using zero-top tactics according to the opponent.” “Because I was deployed as a firefighter, the fate of the team could have changed depending on the judgment and decision-making in each game, but I am glad that I was able to confirm my stay,” he said, looking back on this season.

Although I survived the fierce competition for survival, I am already very worried about next season. I think that in order to completely shake off the negative views directed at me at the time of my appointment, I need to continue to prove it with results. Director Hwang said, “Life is a series of challenges. “We must not give up and continue to produce results that are acceptable to the fans,” he said. “I will not get drunk on the joy of remaining.” “I will prepare for the next season as soon as possible,” he said emphatically.

Reporter Kwon Jae-min jmart220@donga.com