Coach Kim Byung-soo’s football is often called ‘Byeong-soo Ball’. The coach himself says that he plays football faithfully to the basics, but not to the extent of being called Byungsoo Ball, but his philosophy and tactics are resonating deeply with the players.
Players who worked together in Gangwon still follow coach Kim Byung-soo and talk about respect. They are often referred to as ‘shinto’. Then, a new ‘sindo’ of Byungsoo Ball, who started season 2 in earnest, entered.
The No.안전놀이터 1 follower is Yeom Ki-hun, ‘the man who will become a legend in Suwon’. Yeom Ki-hoon was named as a starting list for the away game against Gangwon on the 13th. It was a starting match that came with the expectations of coach Kim Byung-soo, who wanted to hold the center on the ground.
And the immortal Yeom Ki-hun perfectly performed the role of director Kim Byung-soo on the ground. He kept the ball, created opportunities for his teammates to attack, and occasionally showed menacing shooting, chilling Gangwon’s heart. And Suwon won 2-0 against Gangwon. It was a complete victory with few flaws in the results and contents of the game.
Director Kim Byung-soo praised Yeom Ki-hoon. In an interview after the game, Yeom Ki-hoon said, “It was so great. The best part was that when the ball came in, he was kept until his teammates came. This was what I wanted, and I think he performed his role very well. I felt comfortable when I was there. I really did a great job.”
Newly learned soccer at an age of infidelity, even though he plans to finish his career after this season, the law of stealing he learned late is scary, and Yeom Ki-hoon’s soccer, which he learned late, is more fun and exciting. Yeom Ki-hoon met with reporters after the game and had time to talk about the new change in Suwon after coach Kim Byung-soo took office.
Regarding the victory on this day, “It was a short time since the coach came, but because he told us in detail what to do and how to do in the stadium, it was a short time but it seems that the players’ desire to perform was united. So, another Winning is more valuable than ever,” he said about the feeling of his first win with manager Kim Byung-soo.
On this day, Yeom Ki-hoon’s role was to own the ball and create chances for his teammates, and Yeom Ki-hoon performed this role more than 100%. What was the secret to living up to expectations? Yeom Ki-hoon said, “It’s also a style that I like to back off a little, and when the coach appointed me as a starter, he told me exactly what my role was.”
He continued, “Because I already knew them and went in, I thought of connecting to our side somehow when the ball came. It seemed that those appearances came out well, and the juniors moved well so that they could receive the ball well, so I was more satisfied than other times. I guess I didn’t play.” He smiled.
Yeom Ki-hoon, who joined Suwon in 2010 under manager Cha Bum-geun, assisted six coaches including Yun Seong-hyo, Seo Jeong-won, Lee Im-saeng, Park Gun-ha, and Lee Byeong-geun. For him, coach Kim Byung-soo is the seventh coach and the last coach to receive guidance while on active duty. Did they contact you after the director was decided?
Regarding this, Yeom Ki-hoon, who said, “I couldn’t contact coach Kim Byung-soo in advance, but met and greeted him at the training ground.” Regarding the changes that came after Kim Byung-soo took over as coach, he said, “Before, there was a lot of talk about the team moving separately. Really, we are one. It wouldn’t be enough even if I became, but I saw a lot of people trying to do only mine, and I talked about that a lot,” he said about the previous problems.
He continued, “Director Kim Byeong-soo spoke about it after he took office. He said that we must come together as one, but I think that when the coach asked for things or as an older brother, the younger siblings followed suit. He also talked about motivation, saying, “I think we tried to come together as one because we know that this crisis is big.”
Is there a difference in training style from previous coaches? To this question, Yeom Ki-hun nodded, “It’s very different.”
He continued, “I think the players understand more quickly because they train a lot, focusing on the passing game, and the coach directly teaches them tactically and does all the details. I guess I didn’t figure it out sooner.”
Looking at training photos after coach Kim Byung-soo took over, a smile never leaves Yeom Ki-hoon’s lips. Do you know that too? Yeom Ki-hoon said, “Honestly, training is a bit fun.”
He continued, “The training itself and the training itself are fun, and even though the coach is playing the passing game, ‘How do I pass so the ball turns well?’ He told me about the joy of learning new football lately, saying, “I’m looking forward to the future and I think I will win more in the future.”
These days, Yeom Ki-hun is enjoying not only training but also running in the stadium. Yeom Ki-hoon said, “Honestly, after running, I felt again that a player needs to run to have fun. So, of course, the coach decides whether or not I can run, but I will also compete with my younger siblings and continue to train, so the time given to me is given to me to do my best.” I will do my best. I think I have a bigger desire to run more.”
If this is the case, wouldn’t it be possible to seriously consider extending the active service? Yeom Ki-hoon, who smiled and shook his hand at this question, said, “I will finish my career as a player by the end of this year, and if given the opportunity, I would like to learn more about the soccer that coach Kim Byeong-soo plays as a coach as well. I feel like I got an opportunity, so I’m really enjoying myself these days.” He laughed.
Suwon has rebounded since the appointment of manager Kim Byung-soo, but it is still at the bottom of the ranking. Yeom Ki-hun, who must have felt a sense of responsibility as the best member of the team, said, “I am really sorry to the fans, and as an older brother, I have not been able to help my younger siblings much, so I am personally very hurt. Also, when the existing coaches left, My heart hurt so much.”
He continued, “From now on, with the coach at the forefront, Suwon will not be able to become what it used to be in a short period of time, but I still hope that it will change to a team that does not easily lose, and that it is a team that can go to the mid-table rather than this position. It seems to be,” he said, strengthening his will to rebound.
Regarding the upcoming game against Ulsan, Yeom Ki-hoon said, “Ulsan players really enjoy soccer. I really envy you.” , Although the probability is small, I think I have gained confidence that I can try it.”
Lastly, Yeom Ki-hoon did not forget to express his gratitude to the fans who supported Suwon until the end.
“All I can say is that I’m sorry for the fans. Thank you for coming to Incheon and Jeonbuk matches and many fans came. I think we run because of the fans. It’s hard for me too, but I jumped one step further with the fans cheering. Not only me, The players have that mindset, and although it may be difficult and painful right now, there is definitely an opportunity to bounce back, so if you silently support us like now, we will repay you with good performance.”