Interview: Daegu FC Goalkeeper Lee June-hee

Daegu FC announced the signing of Goalkeeper Lee June-hee from Gyeongnam FC on a free transfer. The 192 cm-tall shot stopper was one of the key members who led Gyeongnam FC to K League 1 in 2017 after winning the K League 2 title. Daegu FC Correspondent Muyeol Jung spoke with Lee about his experience with Gyeongnam and story behind the move to the Sky Blues.
(image by Muyeol Jung)


MYJ: You featured 13 times in 2017 following 14 games in 2016. However, last season must be very disappointing for you with game time hard to come by behind Son Jung-hyun and Lee Beom-soo . What was the reason for leaving?

JHL: Last year was very disappointing for me indeed. My contract with Gyeongnam became terminated as the season was over, and I was looking for a team which wants me. Frankly speaking, given the circumstances with me having not featured for the whole season, I was desperate to find a team where I can play no matter what level of football or which league is. Fortunately, Daegu FC came in for me which I didn’t expect at all from a K League 1 side.

Lee in action for Gyeongnam in 2016

MYJ: With Korean international goalkeeper Jo Hyun-woo remaining in the squad, you are likely to compete with Choi Young-eun for the second place. What do you think your strengths are compared to him?

JHL: I have not met him yet (Choi had not joined the training camp in Namhae due to rehab session after knee surgery at the time of interview). Nevertheless, I think he is a good goalkeeper considering what he showed during the time Jo was representing the nation. It is too early to say, but I believe I have upper hand in terms of physicality and experience on the pitch.

MYJ: What is your goal in this season?

BHP: Looking back, the pathway I have walked along so far, I do not think I have such a tremendous achievement that I can be proud of but I have come to Daegu with the same eagerness I had before I became a professional. Personally, I would like to play as many games as possible, but at this stage, it would be too much to think selfishly or with greed. So, I would rather focus on training first with an attitude for learning so I can improve myself as a player. Also, this season will see Daegu FC play in ACL, so, I would like to help the team on and off the pitch as long as there is something I can do.