Along with the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) pandemic, a dark cloud hung over FC Seoul in the K League 1 (Part 1). 9th (2020) → 7th (2021) → 9th (2022) is the report card for the last 3 years. It is not possible to be satisfied with ‘traditional famous house’. The content wasn’t always bad, but the results didn’t follow.
The atmosphere ahead of the 2023 season is quite different. Anticipation and hope filled the place where nervousness and anxiety had disappeared. This is the result of power reinforcement that exceeded expectations over the winter. There were some departures, such as Cho Young-wook, Yoon Jong-gyu, and Lee Sang-min starting military service (Gimcheon Managing Director), but national striker Hwang Eui-jo was recruited on loan, and all positions such as Lim Sang-hyeop, Lee Si-young, Park Soo-il, Kwon Wan-gyu, and Willian were empowered.
At the ‘2023 K-League Winter Media Camp’ held at the HJ Convention Center in Gangdong-gu, Seoul on the 22nd, Seoul coach Ahn Ik-soo said, “I will satisfy the fans’ two needs: performance and performance. Fans have a lot of pride in their team. I feel a heavy sense of responsibility to live up to expectations.”
Seoul is no longer a low-ranking candidate. Other team commanders are giving high marks to Seoul, which had a fruitful winter.
Many of them point to Seoul as a ‘four-final candidate’ along with Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai without hesitation. Director Ahn said스포츠토토, “Such expectations become our goal. If the process is far from the goal, I have no choice but to try harder.”
Particularly expected is the firepower. Last year, in 38 regular league games, Seoul ranked 5th with the least goals (47 goals), but cried because of the ‘dull spear’. He only scored 43 points. It was only ahead of Seongnam FC (37 points), which was relegated to K-League 2 (2nd division) at the bottom. With captain Ilyuchenko (Germany) joined by Hwang Eui-jo, Seoul’s offensive lineup this season is heavy. “I want Hwang Eui-jo to score every game. He prepared a variety of attacking options,” Ahn said.
The desire for better results is the same for the players. Na Sang-ho, who will be in charge of Seoul’s frontline centered on the side, said, “There has been a big change, and the conditions for synergy are ready.” I am confident that I will create many threatening scenes in the development of the attack.”