It’s early in the season, but the gust of wind from Gimpo FC, which is in the second year of the K-League 2, is scary. What is the secret of the undefeated streak that Gimpo players say?
Gimpo, who played the 10th round of ‘Hanawon Q K League 2 2023’ at Gimpo Salter Soccer Field at 7 pm on the 3rd, drew 0-0 with Seongnam. Gimpo maintained first place in the league with 6 wins and 4 draws (22 points) and succeeded in continuing their 10-game unbeaten streak. As Gyeongnam FC lost to Seoul E-Land in the same round, Gimpo became the only undefeated team in the first and second divisions.
No one expected that Gimpo would run in first place at the beginning of the season. Gimpo is a new team born last season. Last season, after the opening, Gwangju and Jeonnam were followed by two victories in a row, but the blast did not last long, and the final result was 8th in the league. However, as soon as he enters his second year, he is leading with a terrifying momentum.
What has changed from last season? First of all, the number of foreign strikers has changed. Luis and Pablo, who joined this season, are showing good form side by side. Lewis has scored 6 goals and 2 assists in 10 games, leading the K-League 2 in scoring. Pablo also accumulated 4 attack points with 2 goals and 2 assists. Coach Go Jeong-woon’s attacking soccer is working properly as a fixer is created in the front.
Gimpo midfielder Kim Jong-seok also said, “Lewis is good. Last year, Gimpo’s biggest weakness was the ball guard in the attacking camp. A lot has been resolved since Lewis came.” Vice-captain Choi Jae-hoon agreed, saying, “The tactics are similar to last year, but the defense organization has improved. It is helpful that foreign players defend together. Besides, foreign players are kind and listen well.”
Director Go Jeong-woon’s ‘mental management’ is also the secret to a blast. Director Ko is a ‘tiger teacher’ type of director. He pours great passion into every game and emphasizes the mentality of his players. He encourages the players by shouting throughout the 90 minutes even inside the stadium. When he gets angry, even the people who watch him are scared. 안전놀이터
Choi Jae-hoon laughed, saying, “The coach has become more scared than last year.” He said, “He’s doing it well, so he’s doing it more on purpose. I know that well. Kim Jong-seok also said, “The coach often says, ‘Let’s prepare for one game at a time without worrying about rankings because we can fall at any time.'”
Looking at Gimpo’s strength, it is inevitable that they will be underdogs. That is why players are also alert that they can fall at any time. You can see their earnestness in the way they all defend and attack without resting for more than 90 minutes.
Choi Jae-hoon said, “It seems that sacrifice, fighting spirit, and earnestness are the secrets of the blast. As vice-captain, I am so grateful to my seniors and juniors. The promotion playoffs are absolutely not. It is still a long way off, and the coach says so. I will not do it,” he said, emphasizing the fighting spirit of the players.