News: New Daejeon Manager Lee Young-Ik's First Press Conference

New Manager Lee Young-Ik (centre) alongside Hwang In-Beom (left) and club president Yun Jeong-Heop. Credit: sportalkorea.com

Newly appointed Daejeon Citizen manager Lee Young-Ik was officially unveiled to the media and supporters on Thursday morning following his appointment last week.

During his first press conference Lee made it abundantly clear what he wants to achieve and what is required in order to do so. He said:

"Next year is an important year. I want to draw from the strength of the citizens of Daejeon and the fans, and once again rebuild the old fame of Daejeon Citizen.

"I have known about Daejeon for over twenty years. I am well aware of the emotions and the feeling of the club. The club gives me a good feeling, too. I want to rebuild the clubs reputation and take it to the K League Classic."

During his spell as Gyeongnam assistant manager, Lee was able to make a few observations regarding where the Daejeon's problems lied last season:

"There was a part that I felt was a shame when I saw it [Daejeon] whilst I was at Gyeongnam. There were a lot of young players; I think that if there were more experienced players it would have been a more stable team."

However, it will take a little bit more than just experience as the former Gyeongnam assistant manager made it abundantly clear that there is a lot of hard work to be done:

"In training, first and foremost the athletes' need to show desire and desperation; it is necessary to become one through a team atmosphere and a new structure.

"I think if there's trust [in a team] it is a good skill. If you combine the deficient parts into one, you can do it. People often make comparisons with football abroad and want to play realistic, aggressive, and practical football. I want to play football so that I can win, and win the game while trying to be stable."

The former Anyang LG Cheetahs player, who is already familiar with the club having enjoyed spell as coach in from 2003 to 2007, signaled his intent on trying keeping hold of Daejeon's star players, something that will be of utmost importance should the club be competitive next term. He said:

"I know that Kim Dong-Chan's contract has expired. I need to have a conversation with Hwang In-Beom. I think when the K League Challenge playoffs are all over I will talk with the club."