'Let's Get Daejeon Back on Track' - Lee Heungsil

On Monday 1st July 2019 Daejeon Citizen appointed Lee Heungsil as the Club's new manager. Little over 24 hours later and the former Ansan Mugunghwa gaffer spoke to the press about his latest challenge.
(Image via DCFC.co.kr)


"Thank-you to General Manager Heo Taejung and the CEO Choi Yonggyu for giving me this opportunity, it's a pleasure to be working with these people. From this point on, little by little, one step at a time, the team will change for the better. At the moment the team is in a difficult situation but along with the players and the fans I will do everything that I can to create a new and improved Daejeon Citizen."

Out of all the candidates that were in the running for the job, why do you think it was you who Daejeon appointed?

"From the moment that the offer came in to be manager of Daejeon, I have the belief that it is a place where I can come and do my very best. The club has promised it will give me its full support. The facilities, the club house, stadium, and infrastructure are all very good and I think I have good experience."

How would you assess Daejeon and what's the target for this season?

"More than anything else, at this point in time it's about getting the team back on track. As one would expect the atmosphere amongst the players is low, there are some difficulties. There will be dialogue to change all of that. I want to make a team which, after a match is finished, can smile and that the fans can applaud."

What are the biggest challenges?

"In order to get that first win, the first thing is to restore confidence. My first game is FC Anyang away, we don't have much time but we will try to prepare as best we can. I've not met the players yet, but I will be speaking to them soon. There will be some new coaches and so it could be a little awkward at first but I think we can create a positive atmosphere."

Who will be your assistant manager and who will be in your backroom staff?

"The assistant manager position is vacant but Baek Seungwoo and Lee Changwon will join as coaches, as will Kwon Chansoo as goalkeeper coach. They all have professional experience and so I am sure they'll be able to put the players through their paces."

You are an experienced leader that can help a team grow but just what help do you think you can give?

The players have lost a lot of confidence. We have to back the players so that they can go into games with confidence. If we can do that then the results will come. There are a lot of young players at Daejeon. Along with the senior players, they will have a pivotal role to play. I'll make sure that the harmony between the players, the tactical aspects of the team are so that we can get the results we want.

The transfer window is open now, what positions do you think you need and are there any players which you have identified?

"It's not even been a couple of days yet and so there are lots of things that need to be discussed. But we need someone who can score goals, a player who can finish. We need a centre back as well as a defensive midfielder, those are some positions which I feel we can strengthen but a striker is what's the most urgent, I feel. I will be speaking to the club about this in due course."

What are your thoughts on Daejeon's past image and what are the club's strong points?

"In K League when I came up against Daejeon, I always thought that the stadium was really good. In the early 2000s Daejeon had the nickname of 'Special Football City' and I always wanted to come here. Having players like Lee Jisol and Kim Seyun, young and talented players, is what's Daejeon's strong point now. I will speak to these players and remind them of this, to try and boost their confidence."

What do you think about using youth and local-born players in your starting lineup?

There are players like Hwang Inbeom who have come through the youth ranks here. Many more like him have to come through and so this is why it is important for there to be harmony between the youth players and the professionals. I want to create a structure where youth and professional teams blend well together.

It's the midway point in the season but what plans do you have for the team?

"There are still some things that we have to figure out but we have a lot of young players. With players who have quick feet, skill and who are willing to learn I plan to play high tempo, quick and attacking football."