“The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lines have all changed”, so ‘Mobile Magic’ shines brighter

Coach Kim Ki-dong (52), who has been at the helm of the Pohang Steelers since 2019, was always troubled even after the season ended. The main players who were together were busy looking for ways to make up for the gaps they left each time. 

It was no different this time. Pohang, which finished third last season following Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai, changed their front line except for the defense. In particular, Shin Jin-ho, who played the role of an ace in midfield last year, moved to Incheon United, and Heo Yong-jun (Vegalta Sendai) and Lim Sang-hyup (FC Seoul), who were responsible for scoring, also left the team.  스포츠토토

As usual, concerns gathered toward Kim Ki-dong. Director Kim Ki-dong also said that he was worried. However, coach Kim proudly shouted ‘win’ at the winter battery training media camp ahead of the 2023 season. Since they placed third earlier, it was ambiguous to pursue runner-up or to aim for Final A (top 6 teams in the K League 1). 

The outside gaze was different. Not many footballers picked Pohang as a candidate for the championship. The prevailing view was that Hyundai would continue the second round system of the two teams (Ulsan and Jeonbuk) this year. Director Kim Ki-dong is breaking that prediction. Currently, of the 12 teams in the K-League 1, only Ulsan Hyundai (6 wins) and Pohang (4 wins, 2 draws) remain undefeated. At the same time, Pohang’s cruise, especially coach Kim’s leadership in leading the team in difficult households, is attracting attention once again.