After leading Gwangju FC to a third-place finish in the K League 1 in the 2023 season, Gwangju FC head coach Lee Jung-hyo is keeping busy this winter. After finishing the season, he traveled to England to see modern soccer at its best.
After watching two games, he was convinced of his philosophy, and he expressed his admiration for Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), who are making their mark in the English Premier League (EPL), where the standard is higher than anywhere else.
Lee boarded a plane for Europe on Dec. 12 and returned to Korea on Jan. 21 after watching the UEFA Europa League matches between Brighton & Hove Albion and Marseille (France) and the EPL matches between Arsenal and Brighton.
Speaking to News1 on the 23rd, Lee said, “It’s hard because I’m still jet lagged. Even when I went to England, I only worked. It was a rest period, but I couldn’t rest properly.” “Actually, I wanted to check something more than I thought I would learn in England. It was hard, but it was a good trip.”
“First of all, I have a lot more respect for Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan. It’s amazing that they can be competitive and stand out in the EPL,” he said, adding, “The same goes for Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) who are playing in Europe.” He also spared no praise for his juniors in Europe.
At the same time, Lee Jung-hyo said, “Uhm Ji Sung, Heo Yul, and Jung Ho-yeon, who are currently talking about going to Europe from Gwangju, are still a long way away. If they go to Europe now, it will be a clumsy situation,” he said, adding, “It is wise to prepare well like Cho Kyu-sung and choose a team and league well.” He advised the Gwangju players. 헤라카지노
Lee’s exposure to advanced soccer made him even more convinced of his philosophy.
“I was able to confirm that the direction of attacking football, which I have been emphasizing since I debuted as a coach last year, is correct. I am confident that I will continue to play aggressive soccer next year and until I retire.”