In the midst of the first losing streak under manager Hong Myung-bo, Park Yong-woo also went out. Ulsan Hyundai was in big trouble.
Ulsan this season was truly overwhelming. From the beginning of the season메이저놀이터, he continued his solo system. From offense to defense, he was perfect, and he showed the dignity of the defending champion by winning even in difficult matches. Even when injuries and external issues occurred, the overwhelming trend continued. There was even a saying, “Isn’t it about breaking the most points in a single season?”, but suffered two consecutive losses against Incheon United and Suwon Samsung, and fell into the first crisis of the season.
They won against the tricky Gwangju FC and won the East Coast Derby on the road to Pohang Steelers, but suffered consecutive losses to Incheon and Suwon. In the game against Incheon, Martin Adam equalized the score 1-1 before conceding the goal to Hernandez just before the end. Against the lowest-ranking Suwon, they allowed 3 runs. Bako’s goal prevented him from losing, but he still suffered a losing streak.
It was the first consecutive loss since Hong Myung-bo took over as head coach. This losing streak is embarrassing for Ulsan fans as they were leading the lead while maintaining an overwhelming flow despite all difficulties. There is still a 12-point gap with Pohang in second place. Although it is a relaxed situation, the losing streak is definitely something to look back on.
The midfield problem is a big concern. The combination of Lee Kyu-seong and Park Yong-woo was the best in the K-League. Park Yong-woo led the rear build-up and supported the defense, while Lee Gyu-seong went up and was in charge of development from the front. The two of them endured in the midfield, and the destructive power of the second-line players and the left and right fullbacks revived. It was the same in the front line where Joo Min-gyu and Martin Adam alternately or together. In other words, the spine line formed by Lee Gyu-seong and Park Yong-woo was the force that supported Ulsan. Both were also members of the captaincy team.
It creaked recently. It started when both of them were embroiled in the issue of racism. It continued even after the punishment. Park Yong-woo was connected to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the saga of Park Yong-woo’s transfer, Lee Gyu-seong was embroiled in controversy for striking Moon Ji-hwan’s face with a fist in the game against Incheon. There was Lee Gyu-seong in the midst of great criticism and controversy. In the meantime, Park Yong-woo left for Al Ain. An official announcement was made on the 17th.
Although they have league-class midfielders such as Kim Min-hyeok and Boyanic, Lee Kyu-seong and Park Yong-woo’s chemistry was incomparably better. One transferred, and the other was embroiled in various controversies, and the spine line, which seemed solid, was broken. With the transfer market just around the corner, Ulsan is looking for a player to replace Park Yong-woo and strengthen the midfield. An official from Ulsan said, “We are at the stage where we are closely looking for and discussing the recruitment of players.”
For a short period of time, we need to find a player to replace Park Yong-woo and support the faltering Lee Kyu-seong. There is also a way to alternately use Kim Min-hyuk and Boyanich, but Ulsan seems to be focusing on recruiting.