Examining the Coaching Dynamics of Jung Kyung-ho at Kangwon FC in the K League

[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Analyst Choi Byung-jin] In the aftermath of a significant defeat, Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC resorted to using a megaphone to address the crowd.

Kangwon FC faced a 2-4 defeat against FC Seoul during the 34th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025', held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th.

This unexpected reversal was particularly impactful for Kangwon. Initially, Kangwon executed an aggressive forward-pressing strategy, successfully disrupting Seoul's offensive flow. In doing so, they leveraged an integrated build-up approach, which enabled Kim Gun-hee to score in the first half. The advantage was extended when Mo Jae-hyun converted a penalty kick early in the second half.

However, the dynamics shifted drastically from the 27th minute of the second half, as Kangwon surrendered three goals within a mere seven-minute span. Lingard's multiple goals, followed by Ryu Jae-moon's goal, and Chun Sung-hoon's decisive strike, culminated in Seoul's victory.

Following the game, Kangwon's traveling fans presented Coach Jung with a megaphone, a gesture not solely tied to the defeat against Seoul, but indicative of broader concerns.

A pattern has emerged within Kangwon's recent performances, highlighting a stark first-half versus second-half dichotomy. Coach Jung's strategic framework initially brings dominance, but the team often falters significantly in the latter stages.

Kangwon FC and Performance Trends in the K League

For instance, in their Round 32 encounter with FC Anyang, Kangwon's 1-0 lead dissipated in the closing minutes. A similar scenario unfolded against Daegu FC, where a 2-0 advantage devolved into a 2-2 draw. The AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against Vissel Kobe mirrored this trend, with a 3-0 first-half lead converting into a 3-3 draw by the end. Although a late goal by Kim Gun-hee secured a win, these patterns of inconsistency culminated in the defeat by Seoul, exacerbating fan 'anxiety'.

Fans have voiced their dissatisfaction, leading Coach Jung to address them directly via megaphone, offering apologies. In a subsequent press conference, he expressed, "I understand the fans' sentiments; they're undoubtedly more frustrated than we are. They've consistently urged for greater second-half efforts. I accept this responsibility and aim for improvements."

While the need to enhance second-half performance is unequivocal, there is division regarding the appropriateness of the megaphone gesture. Last season, Kangwon's unexpected rise to runners-up status and their consistent Final A placements have been notable. Currently, they occupy third place in the ACLE, with six points from two wins and one loss. Reflecting on this, a K League official questioned whether the criticism is disproportionate considering the club's scale and achievements.

Jung Kyung-ho's Coaching Strategies at Kangwon FC

A significant aspect of Seoul's comeback was attributed to the depth and quality of their substitutions. Conversely, Kangwon's reliance on domestic players, exacerbated by the absence of foreign support due to Gabriel's suspension, posed a challenge. This scenario prompts a reevaluation of Kangwon's reliance on local talent as a potential commendable strategy. An official noted, "This is Coach Jung's inaugural season as head coach. While addressing issues with second-half strategies and substitution timing is crucial, understanding the broader context is essential."

Coach Jung candidly expressed his mixed emotions, revealing, "I am losing sleep to thoroughly analyze opponents," and highlighted, "Our historical performance as runners-up last year and reaching Final A this year indicates our growth trajectory. This applies to my development as well." He acknowledged the fans' aspirations for superior outcomes, promising, "I am committed to enhancing our second-half performance. It's essential for everyone to unify their efforts," urging collective support.