Cho Kyu-sung, who was thrust into the spotlight last year with his tremendous performances, seems to be under a lot of pressure to perform when the team is in a difficult situation.
Jeonbuk Hyundai lost 0-1 to Pohang Steelers in the 15th round of the ‘Hana OneQ K League 1 2023’ at Steelyard at 4:30 p.m. on the 29th. This ended Jeonbuk’s four-match unbeaten streak.스포츠토토
Acting head coach Kim Doo-hyun once again started Cho Kyu-sung. Last season’s top scorer in the K League One and a star of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Cho Kyu-sung has been the subject of intense interest in the winter transfer window, with some even talking about a move to Europe. In addition to his skills, his good looks made him even more popular. He remained with Jeonbuk after suffering a thigh injury early in the season that sidelined him for a while, but recently returned.
During his absence, Jeonbuk suffered a slump that led to the departure of head coach Kim Sang-sik. After Kim Doo-hyun took over, the defence improved, but the offence was still disappointing. Jeonbuk fans had high hopes that the return of Cho Kyu-sung would solve the problem. Against Suwon FC, Cho made his comeback after two months and looked heavy. He had three shots on goal, but zero on target.
He started again against Pohang. To spread the pressure on Cho, Jeonbuk put Hapa Silva directly below him and deployed the speedy Moon Sun-min and Lee Dong-joon on either side. Jeonbuk fans had high hopes that the team would do something this time, but Pohang remained silent. Even when Moon Sun-min and Lee Dong-joon broke through, they were unable to finish from the centre.
Just like against Suwon FC, we didn’t seem to be in the best shape. There were quite a few mistakes and the team was lacking in physical battles and aerial battles, which are their strengths. With Cho Kyu-sung blocked, Jeonbuk’s attack stalled. Acting coach Kim Doo-hyun brought on Song Min-gyu at the start of the second half and later added Gustavo to maximise the attack. Jeonbuk attacked onslaught but failed to create any threatening chances.
Cho Kyu-sung didn’t just stay up front, dropping down to the second line to receive the ball and get involved in the play. Despite his efforts, no goals were scored. His effort was saved by Hwang In-Jae, and just like in the first half, he was hampered by poor touch. Jeonbuk lost 0-1 after conceding a goal to Ko Young-joon.
Cho Kyu-sung applied for a Mixzone interview to ask him about his current physical condition and his will to overcome the current situation. Normally, you can catch a player leaving the Mix Zone and interview him, but Pohang had to ask the away team’s officials in advance due to the stadium conditions. The reason for this is that the two clubs have different exit routes.
A Jeonbuk official said, “Cho Kyu-sung said it was difficult to get an interview.” “He said it was difficult for him to do an interview,” said a Jeonbuk official. It was a sign of the immense pressure he was feeling.
At the post-match press conference, Kim Doo-hyun showed his support for Cho Kyu-sung, saying, “I’m going to make him more comfortable.” Jeonbuk’s next game is a Hyundai derby against Ulsan Hyundai. As the overwhelming sole leaders, Ulsan looks to have the upper hand, but rivalry matches are always unpredictable. This could be a turning point for Cho Kyu-sung, who is under a lot of pressure. Will we see the same Cho Kyu-sung we know in the Hyundai Derby?