Director Lee Jung-hyo's 'National University Candidate' Kim Jin-ho, "I really want to meet the coach's expectations" ···"I will not lose my ball in the match against Al Hilal."
Director Lee Jung-hyo's 'National University Candidate' Kim Jin-ho, "I really want to meet the coach's expectations" ···"I will not lose my ball in the match against Al Hilal."
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Kim Jin-ho (25, Gwangju FC) is a player who has strong trust from coach Lee Jung-hyo. Kim Jin-ho is also a player that coach Lee wants to recommend along with goalkeeper Kim Kyung-min as a member of the national team.
Coach Lee explained about Kim Jin-ho, "He is a player who can play both left and right fullbacks and can even take on the role of a midfielder depending on the team's situation."
Kim Jin-ho made his professional debut by wearing the Gangwon FC uniform for the 2022 season after playing at Kwangwoon University. Kim Jin-ho joined Gwangju ahead of the 2024 season and is entering the golden age of his soccer career.
This is what "MK Sports" talked about with Kim Jin-ho, who contributed to Gwangju's 2-1 victory in the away match in FC Seoul on April 19.
Q: It is the fifth consecutive win against Seoul. It is also the first away victory this year.
It was the last match of the quarterfinals at the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE). It was a very important showdown. It was as difficult as expected, but I am very happy to win. I really wanted to win. We lost 0-1 in an away match in Gangwon Province on Tuesday. The result was not a problem. We were too lethargic. We didn't show anything we prepared.
I talked a lot with the players after the game. The players said, "Even if we lose the game, let's not lose the energy level." The fans said, "It must be physically difficult due to tight schedule." However, it is all an excuse for a professional athlete. It seems that focusing only on the match against Seoul resulted in good results.
Q. Kim Jin-ho continues his very good performance as Gwangju's left-back.
I'm doing what coach Lee Jung-hyo teaches me. I don't care about my performance. No matter how many minutes I play, I'm doing my best to contribute to the team. In Gwangju, the process is more important than the result. The key is how much we show for a week. We have different plans in each game. We focus on showing it 100% in real life. If the process is good, the results come naturally. I think soccer is really fun to come to Gwangju.
Q. I've been playing in Gwangju since the 2024 season. What changed the most since I came to Gwangju.
I made my professional debut in Gangwon Province. When I was in Gangwon Province, I played with the thought that I should play hard. I ran and ran desperately. Gwangju is very detailed. Every game has a plan. The plan is very detailed. For example, where I hold the ball, I dribble in which direction and prepare what pass to play. Soccer is new. Whenever we play what we have prepared in the stadium, we feel thrilled. I think this is what happy soccer is like.
Q: I entered the professional league after graduating from Kwangwoon University. I think it's an early time to become a professional. What do you remember when you look back on your college days.
To be honest, it was very difficult. I think it was the most difficult period in all areas of training and life. Looking back now, I think it was a good time. Especially, I learned a lot how to take care of my body. I started my professional career with difficulty and am gradually growing. I want to grow further in Gwangju and face the day when I am called by the national team.
Q. Kim Jin-ho is often cited as a player that coach Lee Jung-hyo would like to recommend as a national team player along with gatekeeper Kim Kyung-min.
I watched it through the video (laughs). I think coach Lee Jung-hyo said, "Work harder." I am always grateful to the coach. I want to meet his expectations. Right now, I lack a lot. A national team is a team of the best players in Korea. We need to work harder. Aren't there so many players who are good at soccer in Korea. I will develop my own strengths by watching and learning from those players.
Q: The biggest concern for the national team is fullback. Except for Seol, who is currently playing fullback on the right, there is no clear owner on the left.
If I don't have greed for the national team, I would be lying. Every player's dream is to play with the national flag. However, a national team is not a place I can go just because I want to. If I do my best in every moment in my position, opportunities will come. I need to grow more now. I need to focus on playing better soccer in Gwangju.
Q: It is the first time that Gwangju plays in the ACLE this season. They say it is the first time that most Gwangju players participate in the ACLE. Isn't it Kim Jin-ho's debut season in the ACLE as well? Did he expect to perform in the quarterfinals or higher when the ACLE started.
"I couldn't do it (laughs)." It had a good start. It defeated Yokohama F. Marinos 7-3. Up until then, I was not sure. But the more I play a game, the more confident I become. I think I am playing soccer more fun, confirming that our soccer works in Asia beyond the K-League. Gwangju is the opposite of the impossible. I will try to play against Al Hilal as I used to. 먹튀검증
Q. What's the biggest thing you've gained from experiencing ACLE.
This is experience. Not everyone can participate in ACLE. ACLE is a competition in which representative clubs of each country participate and compete with the best players active in Asia. It seems that facing such a team or player brings tremendous experience and growth.