Reporter Kim Do-yong = Choi Young-joon (32), who wore the K-League 1 Jeju United uniform last year, voluntarily wore the team captain’s armband ahead of this season. It is because of his hope that his leadership can help the team to break the Yanggang structure between Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai.
Choe Young-jun, who was appointed as the captain of Jeju, met with reporters at the Barev Hotel in Seogwipo, Jeju on the 7th.
Choi Young-joon, who became the captain of Jeju two years after joining and led his teammates, said, “I thought that my leadership could help the team develop more than last year. The coach had a lot of trouble choosing a new captain, so I decided to do it myself.” He explained why Jeju became the captain.
Choi Young-joon led his teammates as the team’s captain during his loan spell with Pohang Steelers in the past. At the time, Pohang finished third thanks to Choi Young-joon’s role as the team’s focal point both on and off the pitch.
Choi Young-joon said, “Actually, I don’t like the position of captain. But I voluntarily came forward because I thought I could help the team rise to the top of the league.” “he said.
In particular, veteran midfielder Koo Ja-cheol (34), one of the vice-captains, is giving Choi Young-jun strength from behind.
Choi Young-joon expressed his gratitude to Ja-cheol Koo with a smile, “I was worried about what would happen if I couldn’t blend well with the team after living in Europe for a long time. told
After being promoted to K-League 1 in 2021, Jeju ranked 4th and 5th the following year. Considering the active investment of Jeju club aiming for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League after promotion, it is a report card that leaves much to be desired.
Jeju, which did not live up to expectations in the past two seasons, is aiming to leap to the top again this year by making changes to the coaching staff and squad. Jeju coach Nam Ki-il also said, “I will break the Yanggang structure and take second place.”
Choi Young-joon said, “All teams did not reach the top at once. Ulsan also stayed in runner-up several times before reaching the top, and Jeonbuk also went through various processes.” 메이저사이트
“It is not easy for Jeju to realistically challenge for the championship. I think now is the time for Jeju to rise slowly. First of all, my goal is to advance to the ACL. My experience in Gyeongnam FC, Pohang, and Jeonbuk will help the team. I will do my best to be the best I can be.”
Along with the squad, coach Nam Ki-il is also making a change from the previous somewhat coercive leadership style.
Choi Young-joon said, “I was scared a lot when I first moved to Jeju, but it’s better than I thought. Listening to the stories of the players who have lived with the coach for a long time, a lot has changed. This year has changed more than before.” , I said, ‘The players will change, so please change the coach too’, and the manager also accepted it positively.”
He said, “There are no major problems between the coach and the players now, but if a crisis hits the team, problems may arise. I am worried and excited about how the coach will respond. “he added.
Choi Young-joon, who worked hard for the new season with his teammates in Thailand and Jeju Island, said, “There are many changes this season. In order for Jeju to compete with top teams, Joo Min-gyu (Ulsan), Jerso (Incheon), and Yun I have to fill the gaps with Bitgaram (Suwon FC) well,” he said, expressing his determination, “I believe that the new Yuri and Hayes will do well. I will also faithfully follow the coach’s instructions and contribute to the team.”