K-League 2 Gyeongnam FC coach Seol Ki-hyun is confused.
It has been 4 years since 2019 was the last time that I have not been able to step on the K League 1 stage. In addition, Gyeongnam, which is supported by Dobi as a provincial club, has recently been criticized for unfair treatment of subsidies and travel expenses in an audit. Due to this incident, the Gyeongsangnam-do side threatened to disband the club or consider participating in the K3 League, which is equivalent to an unemployment league, if promotion is not achieved by 2025.
Coach Seol expressed his candid thoughts at the 2023 K-League Winter Field Training Media Camp held at the Arina Hotel in Miryang, Gyeongnam on the morning of the 15th, saying, “Many things are happening, and Gyeongsangnam-do and the club will solve the problem well.”
“I’m saying that such things will happen in the future, but I don’t think it’s 100% decided,” he said. “Sidomin clubs are in that situation every year.” “It’s important to do very well what we can,” he added, adding that he would continue to build a team to instill interest in investing.
Coach Seol has led Gyeongnam since 2020, but has not been able to achieve promotion. In particular, last season, they advanced to the K-League 2 semi-playoff (PO) and defeated Bucheon FC 3-2. However, FC Anyang and PO drew 0-0, so they could not go to the promotion PO.
The greatest responsibility for not being promoted lies with the manager. However, Gyeongnam gave coach Seol another chance. He signed a one-year contract with Gyeongnam.
In response, director Seol emphasized, “I always think it’s the last time.” He said, “I’ve been leading Gyeongnam FC for the fourth year, and I’ll make up for what we’ve done well and what’s lacking,” he said.
He continued, “Comparing the composition of the first season and the current composition, the players have changed a lot. There are only 3 or 4 players in the first season. I am composed of the players I want.” He added that the current squad has the best power over the past four years.
Coach Seol said, “I think that’s what I’ve learned over the past three years. Some things work and some don’t. It’s important to make sure that things are organized this season.”
Gyeongnam will start the K League 2 home opener against Bucheon on the 1st of next month.
