Recap: A Dream Start for Promoted Gimcheon with a 1-0 Win over Daegu

Promoted side Gimcheon Sangmu got off to winning start on their return to K League 1 with a 1-0 win over Daegu in the first game of the 2024 Hana 1Q K League 1 season. A second half Won Dujae header stunned the electric fans into silence at DGB Daegu Bank Park. Daegu FC correspondent Muyeol Jung reviewed the game and listened to both managers in the press conference.

What happened

Promoted side Gimcheon got the first half underway in their first game of the K League 1 at DGB Daegu Bank Park. It was a scrappy first 15 minutes before Hwang Jaewon's strike outside of the box went a few inches wide. Soon, the best chance fell to Daegu forward Barcelos who capitalised on Gimcheon's mistakes and went around goalkeeper. However, his shot was denied by goalkeeper Kang Hyunmoo who reacted quickly to follow and kept the ball out. Afterwards, the hosts had a couple of more chances from set-pieces through the advantages of their tall players, but their efforts were not good enough.

Daegu restarted the second half with an introduction of Cesinha, replacing Barcelos and this change quickly made positive signs for the Sky Blues. A combination of Edgar, Cesinha and Bobsin was smooth, creating some meaningful chances and one of which was denied by goalpost after taking a deflection on its way. Despite their efforts, the visitors broke the deadlock on 77th minute when Won Dujae headed home in far post from a corner kick. Afterwards, Daegu pushed hard to find an equaliser, but they had to fall to Gimcheon at home in front of a sell-out crowd.  

Match MVP: Won Dujae

Post-match conference

Gimcheon Sangmu manager Chung Jungyong

How are you feeling after the first game in K League 1?

"As you can see, the players came out in the second half, and played much better and I think this is the attitude that I want to see more from the lads. If we can develop more based on that, I think the Gimcheon team will get better and better with a desired result. I am grateful that all the peole in the club did their part to this win as one team and will prepare well for the next game".

Gimcheon looked different in the second half. What did you say to your players at half time?

"In fact, we looked out of confidence on the pitch in the first half, and didn't show what we had prepared during the off-season. I stressed the mental aspect rather than a tactical aspect. What I said to them was "I have faith in you, but if you didn't give it your best on the pitch, I have to take you off. What I saw in the first half was below 50% of what we prepared".

You just finished your first K League 1 game as a manager. How did you find it compared to K League 2?

"I find the K League 1 faster and more dynamic and players mentally stronger. That's why many fans like the league and come and we [Gimcheon] have to live up to that level of expectation and through today's game, I think we can".

You mentioned Gimcheon'd have to soilder on with the current players until the new recruitment get back to match fit. Has today's win changed your mind about the season plan?

"I believe these players will do more, and I think the performance we saw today is still only 50-60 per cent. Once we gain our confidence, we can pull off some good results even against strong sides".

Preparation for the next game against league Champions Ulsan?

"In the K League 2, we have never been beaten at home. You shouldn't lose a game at home, but that doesn't mean we are going to sit back, keep defending. We will prepare thoroughly"

Daegu FC manager Choi Wonkwon

What's your thought on the result?

"It's a big shame. I'm sorry for the result, because the players worked hard but failed to get the results we would have wanted, and it's my responsibility. We had to convert when the chances came, which we couldn't. But this is just the start of the season".

What's the reason for early change with Cesinha replacing Barcelos? Was it something to do with him missing a sitter in the first half?

"Well, it was a difficult decision to make. Having four Brazilian players is certinaly a good thing for us, but I have to choose who to play out of four Brazilians players. In hindsight, I should have played Barcelos more in the second half, but on the other side, Cesinha was itching to play. I also couldn't take Edgar off because of his finishing and ability in the air. I took all the blame for today's result. I think Barcelos would have created more chances if he had played. I think I should apologise to him."

Assessment on Yoshino and Ko Myeongseok? 

 "I think they played well. But it's just only one game into the season, and we will be able to see their values once the first round robin is over. But at least they did their roles".

The poor services from the bench seems to be a big problem for Daegu.

"I believe in players on the bench, but I usually have more faith in players on the pitch because often substitute can't keep up the game when brought on. But while we head into the season more, I will use more substitutes".