Lee Jeong-gyu, the new coach of Gwangju FC, expressed his ambition to continue Gwangju's unique style of football.
In an interview with the club on the 26th, Lee said, "I have learned a lot while at Gwangju for the past three years and have been fully prepared as a coach," and added, "Because I know the club's situation better than anyone, I feel both a sense of responsibility and confidence," expressing his thoughts upon taking the post.
Taking the helm as a professional team manager for the first time, Lee emphasized his responsibility as a manager, saying, "If the head coach's role was to assist the manager and jointly consider team operations, now as the manager I think I must clearly present the overall team operation and direction and the game model the squad should follow."
On his football philosophy, Lee explained, "The football Gwangju has shown so far has moved many fans, and having been part of that process my affection for Gwangju's football is great," and said, "Based on attacking football, I want to continue Gwangju-style football that actively presses spaces."
Regarding outside views that he will face a more challenging environment next year, he said, "I know those views better than anyone. But I don't see them only as a burden; I see them clearly as an opportunity," and added, "Rather than making excuses, I want to prove myself with the capabilities I have prepared as a coach," expressing confidence.
On the upcoming season's goals, Lee said, "The primary goal is to reach Final A," and added, "Through future training and season preparation processes, I plan to concretize the goals together with the players."
Finally, Lee said, "The phrase that impressed me most at Gwangju was "as long as the heart beats, be Gwangju,". While I am the manager I will continue to stress that phrase and want to show football that lives up to those words," and added, "I fully understand the fans' worries and concerns. I will not rush; I will prepare accurately and clearly and repay that expectation."
Under Lee Jeong-gyu's leadership, Gwangju plans to continue the club's football philosophy while pursuing sustainable growth through stable team management and strengthening competitiveness.
■ full Q&A with Lee Jeong-gyu.
1. impressions and resolve upon officially becoming Gwangju FC manager ▲ Having served as the club's head coach for the past three years, I learned a lot and have been fully prepared as a coach. Because I know the club's situation and the squad better than anyone, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility but also confidence. I will trust the process I have prepared and do my best.
2. mindset and preparation process as a professional team manager ▲ If the head coach's role was to assist the manager and jointly consider team operations, now as the manager I think I must clearly present the overall team operation and direction and the game model the squad should follow. I recognize that responsibility clearly and am preparing.
3. on the burden of inheriting achievements and outside views that he faces a challenging environment ▲ Gwangju FC has always been evaluated in difficult circumstances. I know those views better than anyone. But I do not see them only as a burden; I see them as a clear opportunity. Rather than making excuses, I want to prove myself with the capabilities I have prepared as a coach.
4. the football philosophy and tactical colors he pursues ▲ I think the football Gwangju FC has shown so far has moved many fans and has played a meaningful role in Korean football. Having been part of that process, my affection for Gwangju's football is great. Based on attacking football, I want to continue Gwangju-style football that actively presses spaces.
5. thoughts on developing young players and using prospects ▲ Gwangju FC has many young players with potential and competitiveness. But I don't think age is an important criterion. I will value match competitiveness, training readiness, and attitude most. As Gwangju FC always has, I want to create an environment where players grow through competition.
6. advantages and communication style as the youngest manager in K League 1 ▲ I have prepared for this position as a coach for more than 10 years. I understand the weight of the process rather than short-term results. As a young coach, I think my advantage is being able to learn more and accept diverse opinions. I want to communicate closely with players like an older brother and talk about ways to grow together rather than pointing out faults. I believe that will be the greatest strength for the team.
7. next season's team goals and approach ▲ I have personal goals, but at this stage I think it's more important to clearly share team goals with the squad rather than emphasize them. The primary goal is to reach the upper split, and through future training and season preparation processes I plan to concretize that goal together with the players.
8. the "Lee Jeong-gyu era" of Gwangju FC he wants to show fans ▲ The phrase that impressed me most at Gwangju FC was "as long as the heart beats, be Gwangju." While I am the manager I will continue to emphasize that phrase and want to show football that befits those words.
9. message to Gwangju FC fans ▲ I believe Gwangju FC could grow into a club representing Korean football because of the support and encouragement of the fans. I fully understand the worries and concerns. I will not rush; I will prepare accurately and clearly and resolve those concerns one by one. If you continue to support and encourage Gwangju FC as you do now, I will do my best to repay that expectation.
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