2021 Incheon United Season Preview

Incheon United produced a hail mary comeback last season that K League fans coined as the "Great Escape". Incheon fans will be hoping that this season will see their side in a safer position, and without the need for another great escape.

Last Season

7W -  6D - 14L, 11th

What Happened?

Incheon United once again deep in the relegation battle last season, with issues on and off the field. Incheon had an awful start to the season as new manager Lim Wan-Seop struggled to get things off the ground. Two points from their opening ten games had them easily labeled as relegation favorites early in the season.

It took a change in managers to Cho Sung-Hwan for fortunes to finally change. It was the sixteenth game of the season when Incheon finally picked up a full three points, on the round against Daegu FC. A few more wins followed as the Summer drew to a close, but still at this point it seemed like it maybe too little too late.

 

The post league split games turned out to be the difference between relegation and survival as Incheon won three of their final five games including beating Seongnam FC by a record six goals. The season ended with Incheon beating local rivals FC Seoul on the road and confirming their place in the top flight for another year.

Notable Moves

Starting with Incheon's key pre-season signings, they mainly seem to be foreigners. Starting at the back Australian defender Harrison Delbridge joins from Melbourne City. The tall center-back brings experience from the A-League as well as a number of years playing over in the United States. He should partner now permanent signing Oh Ban-suk. Also at the back right back Oh Jae-suk has signed following eight years over in the J-League. The four time capped international will hopefully complete a strong looking Incheon back line.

Moving into the attacking third and Brazilian winger Negueba stands out. He has signed from second tier side Gyeongnam FC. He brings in much needed experience to the Incheon squad, but has had issues with fitness and injuries the past couple of seasons. If on-form, he will finally plug the gap left by Moon Seon-min who joined Jeonbuk two years ago.

 

Key Player 

Stefan Mugosa

Montenegrin International Stefan Mugosa finished last season as Incheon's top scorer for the third season. The target man slotted home twelve times last season from twenty-four games which also took his Incheon tally to forty-five a club record. Incheon are lacking in the way of striking options and therefore the main goal outlet will only against need to be Stefan.

Young Player to Watch

Lee Joon-suk

Lee Joon-suk was one of a small group of young players to push their way into the Incheon match-day squad last season. The twenty year old however didn't look out of place causing problems for the opposition either on the left or right wing. Last season may have been his rookie year, but the South Korea youth international could be one to progress and make a difference for Incheon this season.

Biggest Question 

Can Incheon finally push up the table and away from another deep relegation battle?

Incheon have been in relegation trouble for the past few seasons and often look solid on paper but fail to produce on the field. They are also perennial slow starters, and have failed to win their season opener for over a decade. But Incheon fans are loyal and always live in hope that this could be the season that finally push up the table and start having fun.

Reason to Watch 

With covid19 still an issue here in South Korea going to the stadium at this point isn't the same experience as it once was. However Incheon play in one of the nicest football stadiums in the country and maybe Asia. Therefore going to watch a game in person is still an enjoyable experience.

If you're watching on TV Incheon never give up, but sadly also sometimes switch off. So late drama can be a common occurrence when they're involved.