News: Lee Youngik Resigns as Daejeon Citizen Manager

It was announced on Thursday afternoon that, after less than a full season in charge, Daejeon Citizen manager Lee Youngik had resigned. The former Gyeongnam FC number two was appointed as Purples boss at the end of last season guided Citizen to a mere four league victories all season and lost fifteen.

Image via Daejeon Citizen Facebook


Rooted to the foot of the table and a 21 points away from the playoffs, Lee Youngik steps down as manager of Daejeon Citizen with immediate effect.

Lee Youngik recently apologised for the team's recent performances and delivered his resignation to the Daejeon Metropolitan City Mayor Kwon Suntaek. After consultation amongst board members and the Daejeon City Council, Lee's resignation was accepted.

Lee said: "I am sorry that I can not show you a good performance. I am grateful to Daejeon City and the team for their full support so thank you."

Coach Kim Hyungjun will take control of first team matters and act as caretaker boss until the end of the 2017 season.

After his appointment in November, Lee, who was a coach at Daejeon in 2005, said he was confident that he was the man to take the Purples back to the K League Classic: "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."

But, Daejeon have been languishing at the wrong end of the table for the vast majority of the season and have just four wins to their name. Morale amongst the supporters is at an all time low with attendances figures lower than that of previous K League Challenge campaigns.

As a result, Lee's resignation may give the Purple Arena faithful some comfort but, frankly, with 10 games to go (Daejeon have a game in hand), it is too little too late. For many, the 2017 season became a write off long before summer began.

It is commendable that Lee had chosen to fall on his sword rather than waiting to be sacked but, the question arises as to whether this decision ought to have been made much sooner.

Source: Naver Sports