After a slow start to the season, ‘Kim Ki-Dong-ho’ FC Seoul finally showed their true colors. The team unleashed a five-goal onslaught on promoted side Gimcheon Commerce, winning 5-1 in front of their home fans. “We’ll try to create an atmosphere where we can win more at home,” said Seoul head coach Kim Ki-dong.
Seoul thrashed Gimcheon 5-1 in the fifth round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2024 at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Wednesday behind a two-goal, two-assist performance from Ilyuchenko and goals from Cho Young-wook, Lim Sang-hyeop and Park Dong-jin. Seoul, who had scored just three goals in their previous four matches, broke the stalemate once and for all.
They dominated their opponents from the start. Starting with Cho Young-wook’s first goal in the 15th minute, Seoul took a 4-0 lead in the first half with back-to-back goals from Ilyuchenko in the 33rd and 38th minutes, and another goal from Kim Sang-gyeon in stoppage time. It was a performance that brought a standing ovation from the crowd after halftime. In the second half, the team was hit by a mid-range shot in the seventh minute, but Park Dong-jin sealed the match in the 34th minute.
Coach Kim Ki-dong said, “The players knew before the game that today’s game was really important. It was a point that would allow us to compete for the top spot. The players were more focused than in other games from the start,” said Kim. “I also told them that to become a strong team, we need to seize the opportunity when it comes, and they recognized it well.”
“This was the first time we met individually on game day to prepare for a match. We called the defenders in the morning and the attackers in the afternoon to talk about tactics and how to play against them. In the first half, it worked perfectly and they came at our pace.”
However, Kim Ki-dong said, “It’s still a bit lacking.” He added, “The players need to be aware of the kind of soccer I want to play, so they can keep up with the changes. Above all, it is important to play a season without ups and downs. We need to get into a rhythm quickly. You can’t have one good game and one bad game. I have to be consistent,” he added.
Kim was also pleased with the performances of his former pupils in Pohang, including Ilyuchenko, who finished with two goals and two assists, as well as Kim Sang-hyeop and Palosevic. “For Kim Sang-hyeop, I gave him a boost, not a push. I left him off the roster for 카지노사이트 the last game (Gangwon FC) because he wasn’t feeling well. Fortunately, through the 90-minute practice game, his physical condition improved and his thinking changed a lot.” “I also sat down with Ilyuchenko and Palousevic and showed them old videos. I think it definitely helps to understand how he was then and how he has changed.”
In particular, Ilyuchenko, who was very active on the day, said, “He was stuck in the middle a lot. In the past, he used to come out and receive the ball, but now he receives the ball and stands in place or stands in the middle. It made me aware of those things.” “The penalty kick against Jeju United last time was taken by Illyuchenko, but Kang Sang-woo was actually going to take it. (Ki) Sung-yong said, ‘Illyuchenko lives, the team lives,’ and gave him a chance. I think he was able to gain confidence from today’s game,” he added.
“Now, depending on whether the opponent plays a four-back or a five-back, the shape may change, but we’re trying to be consistent in the way we play,” said Kim Ki-dong. “I’m happy that we scored a lot of goals and created a good atmosphere at home. We will try to create an atmosphere at home that will help us win more games.”