A blueprint for the Suwon Samsung best 11 that coach Lee Jeong-hyo wants has emerged.
Suwon officially announced Lee Jeong-hyo's appointment on the 24th. Suwon explained, "We judged that this coach, who has a clear football philosophy, outstanding coaching ability and strengths in player development, is the right person to lead the club's resurgence. The club has worked sincerely and respectfully to do its best to pursue this coach's recruitment."
Known as 'K Mourinho,' coach Lee Jeong-hyo was the most sought-after coach during the offseason. It would not be an exaggeration to say that virtually every club that needed a coach wanted Lee Jeong-hyo. Calls of interest came steadily even from the J.League beyond Korea.
Lee Jeong-hyo chose Suwon Samsung, a fallen traditional powerhouse that failed to achieve promotion for two consecutive years. Lee Jeong-hyo said, "I was moved not by conditions but by the club's sincerity and eagerness, and its deep respect for the coach."
Lee Jeong-hyo is the best active Korean coach. True to his nickname 'K Mourinho,' he left numerous achievements, including Gwangju's most wins, promotion to K League 1, an AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinal appearance, and an FA Cup runner-up finish.
Even active players say, "I want to learn from coach Lee Jeong-hyo." Lee Jeong-hyo's coaching methods became a topic of conversation even with the national team.
Promising the best support, Suwon released as many as 12 players before Lee Jeong-hyo's appointment. It was a promise to fill the squad with players Lee Jeong-hyo wants.
Lee Jeong-hyo's first signing is expected to be Jeonbuk's championship hero Hong Jeong-ho. Hong Jeong-ho is reported to have agreed to move to Suwon after receiving Lee Jeong-hyo's call of interest. Lee Jeong-hyo personally called and emphasized Hong Jeong-ho's necessity. Hong Jeong-ho, whose contract renewal with Jeonbuk fell through, chose a new challenge in K League 2.
Lee Jeong-hyo appeared on Ahn Jung-hwan's YouTube channel and once showed trust by saying, "If I become the national team coach, I would put Hong Jeong-ho as Kim Min-jae's center-back partner." In that sense, the Hong Jeong-ho whom Lee Jeong-hyo wanted to try out will meet Lee Jeong-hyo at Suwon.
In Lee Jeong-hyo's football, which emphasizes build-up, defensive stability is essential. Hong Jeong-ho, a former national team player and K League MVP, is the best choice.
Starting with Hong Jeong-ho, more players are expected to decide to move to Suwon. That shows how high players' expectations are for Lee Jeong-hyo.
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