“I want to first say sorry to the fans who visited the soccer field while there is a KIA Tigers game in Gwangju.”
These are the comments Gwangju FC coach Lee Jeong-hyo made after missing a home game against K-League 1 Gangwon FC on the 23rd.
Gwangju drew 0-0 in the 8th round of the Hanawon Q K League 1 2023 against Gangwon held at the home stadium, Gwangju Soccer Stadium, on this day.
Gwangju led the game 먹튀검증against Gangwon with 63% ball possession and 10 shots, but they were unable to open the goal and played a scoreless game in front of the home fans.
After the game, the faces of the players, including coach Lee Jung-hyo, were full of regret.
As soon as coach Lee Jung-hyo entered the press conference after the game, “Many people came to the soccer field even though the KIA Tigers game was held in Gwangju. I’m sorry for the embarrassing game. It’s a game that needs to be reflected on.”
According to an official from the Gwangju club, coach Lee Jung-hyo’s mention of the professional baseball KIA club is not unfamiliar. Head coach Lee Jung-hyo, who took over from Gwangju last season, is putting all his energy into attracting fans with interesting soccer content.
Lee Sun-min of Gwangju said, “The coach always emphasizes that the team should play football that is enjoyable and impressive to the fans. He tells the players that they have to show fun and aggressive football as much as the fans give their time and effort to visit the stadium.” I usually conveyed director Lee Jung-hyo’s philosophy.
In fact, Gwangju only attracted 800 spectators to the home opener last year. However, Gwangju, led by Lee Jung-hyo, showed great power and fun soccer in the K-League 2, attracting around 5,000 spectators in their last home game. More than 7,000 spectators came to the K League 1 home opener this season.
An official from the Gwangju club said, “Last year, interest in the club is growing due to the K-League 2 promotion. Over 4,000 spectators averaged more than 4,000 spectators in 4 home games this season. When I look at the pictures that fill up, I realize that the popularity of the club and football is growing.”
As the Gwangju club received high attention from soccer fans and Gwangju citizens, it signed a main sponsor contract with Kwangju Bank for 3 years totaling 3 billion won. Coach Lee Jung-hyo’s football philosophy of thinking of the fans first and shouting ‘attack’ is leading to a virtuous cycle structure.