2021 Daegu FC Season Preview

The 2021 K League season is fast approaching. K League United's Daegu FC correspondent Muyeol Jung looks back at how the Sky Blues spent their winter and looks ahead at their fifth season in the top flight since their comeback in 2017.

Last Season

10W-8D-9L GD+4 (43-39), 5th place
ACL2021 play-off qualifier.

What Happened?

Against all the odds, caretaker Lee Byunggeun's side spent another successful season in the top flight by equaling their highest record in the table. Moreover, it's another cheerful achievement that they confirmed their return to the Asian Champions League for the second time thanks to Sangju Sangmu's ineligibility and Jeonbuk Hyundai's double.

[READ: 2020 Season Review: Daegu FC]

Notable Moves

Out
Gu Sungyun (GK): Former Consadole Sapporo goalkeeper Gu Sungyun has left the Sky Blues for his military service after a six month spell. He will start to serve his duties from 8th March this year until 7th September 2022 with Gimcheon Sangmu in K League 2.

Dejan Damjanović (FW): Daegu FC could be the last K League club for legendary striker Dejan as the club didn't extend their contract with him. The Montenegrin has joined Kitchee FC in Hongkong, looking forward to this season in the  twilight of his career.

Kim Daewon (FW): It was a bit of surprising news to hear that one of the club's faces, Kim Daewon has transferred to Gangwon FC after a six year spell with the Sky Blues.

Besides the above, following first team players have left through the doors; Ryu Jaemoon (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Shin Changmoo (Gangwon FC), Kim Dongjin (Gyeongnam FC), Lee Jinhyun (Daejeon Hanacitizen), Hwang Taehyun, Kim Seonmin (Seoul Eland), Go Jaehyun (loaned to Seoul Eland).


[READ: Dejan Interview Goodbye K League]

In
Mun Kyunggeon (GK): Daegu FC become the first K League team for former Oita Trinita goalkeeper Mun after spending a three and half a year spell in Japan. In 2020, he started 17 games in goal for the Japanese side, helping the side finish in mid-table.

Ahn Yongwoo (FW): Former Sagan Tosu forward Ahn Yongwoo returns to K League after a disappointing three and a half year spell with the Tosu. He is gritting his teeth to get back to the finest form he had at Jeonnam Dragons.

Lee Keunho (FW): After 13 years, the Son of the Sun, Lee Keunho makes a return to Daegu FC on a year loan deal from Ulsan Hyundai. The two times ACL winner saw significantly dwindled playing time at title challengers Ulsan and is excited to continue to play for Daegu where he spearheaded "Daegu's bullet football" and earned a nationwide recognition thanks to 23 goals and nine assists in 59 games.

Park Gidong (ST): Former Gyeongnam FC forward Park Gidong returns to the Sky Blues after a six month loan spell with Daegu in 2019. He will be mainly acting as understudy until Edgar will be fit, winning headers upfront and selflessly making chances for others.

Lee Yongrae (MF): Veteran midfielder Lee Yongrae comes back to Daegu after leaving his successful times in Thai behind with Chiangrai United. He will be acting as a player-coach, trying to bridge between coaching staff and players.

Sue Gyeongju (MF): Sue Gyeongju comes through Daegu's door in exchange for Hwang Taehyun and Kim Sunmin plus some cash to bolster Daegu's left flank, which was one of the top priorities this winter transfer market. However, after the deal was revealed, the club came under a massive attack. The unsung player has to prove he's worth.

Besides those, goalkeeper Park Seongsu (J League 2 Ehime FC) and Lee Yunoh (J League 1 Vegalta Sendai), and young midfielder Hwang Byeongkwon (Suwon FC) have come through the door for Daegu FC this season.

Key Player 

Cesinha

Although this has been a real cliché for the citizen club last couple of years, Brazilian talisman Cesinha has been irreplaceable and will remain in the pivotal role with regards to Lee Byunggeun's fate. Because of the 14 days quarantine rule in place, he was only able to join Daegu's training camp at the end of January, but he will be looking to play for the sixth season in K League.

Young Player to Watch

Oh Huseong (MF)

Along with young solid defender Jo Jinwoo, attacking midfielder Oh Huseong will be one of two strongest U22 assets that are looking forward to 2021 K League season most.

1999 year-born midfielder made a professional debut in 2018 and recorded his first assist the following year from eight appearances, however, his playing time dwindled to only six appearances in a shortened season last year. He is mainly overshadowed by Cesinha, Lee Jinhyun, and Kim Sunmin but this year he is looking to get more playing time as a regular U22 player.

Biggest Question 

Can Daegu's squad reformation bring success?

Unlike a happy ending in the 2020 season, this winter particularly was feeling bitter and colder for many Daegu fans because of the largest changes in the first team squad ahead of 2021 season when they will have to juggle with three competitions.

Former Jeonnam Dragons winger Ahn Yongwoo is looking to find his fine form and fame back.

This may look a bit bleak and distressing at first glimpse, but on the other hand, the changes were almost inevitable because of the introduction of the Bosman rule and financial predicament of the club.

On positive notes, Daegu's main structures are still conserved with key assets like Cesinha, Jeong Seungwon, and Jeong Taewook at their best, while most of the departures were peripheral players or replaceable with our own players or newcomers.

However, their journey into the season might be a bit bumpy for the first month as it usually takes time to gel together as a team. Also, they have got one main weapon, Brazilian striker Edgar da Silva, unavailable with an Achilles injury. He is still recovering after having surgery back home last November, and will be able to play from April by the earliest. Furthermore, one more foreign player is to be announced sooner to fill up all foreign quota. Rumours say it's former Matsumoto Yamaga FC midfielder Sergio Ricardo who recently flew to South Korea and is self-isolating.

Who will stake a claim to be the next guardian?

South Korean international goalkeeper Gu Sungyun's expected departure for military duties has widely opened up competition for a place in goal. Currently, the Sky Blues have five shot stoppers at their disposal; existing Choi Youngeun and two goalkeepers Mun Kyunggun and Park Seongsu from Japan are considered as the first team players, while Lee Yunoh and Lee Hakyun will hone their skills in the B Team.

In fact, none of those three is really standout on their CVs with little professional experience, and it's hard to predict who will be the number one. However, It is expected to be a close contest between Choi Youngeun and Mun Kyunggun. I personally think Mun Kyunggun is slightly higher in the pecking order, but there's also a chance that both will be tested in first couple of games into the season before the gaffer makes a final decision.

Reason to Watch 

Daegu FC have turned to a charming team that are really entertaining to watch with lots of young talents and the most influential player Cesinha. Their football and its lovely stadium have totally changed the way the nationals look at the city and are making their ways to becoming icons.

This year, they may have some difficulty with a big extent of changes, but they will bravely keep fighting in the name of Daegu in the Asian continent as well as in Korea.