Asian Sweeping 'Korean Mourinho' Lee Jung-hyo Magic Becomes K-League's 'Treasure'
Asian Sweeping 'Korean Mourinho' Lee Jung-hyo Magic Becomes K-League's 'Treasure'
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"Lee Jung Hyo Magic" is now heading to Asia.
Gwangju FC, led by head coach Lee Jung-hyo, won 3-1 in the third match of the 2024-2025 Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite League Stage against Johor Darlle Takjim (Malaysia) at Yongin Mir Stadium on the 22nd.
Gwangju, which has surpassed its difficult opponent Malaysia, has won three consecutive games. Earlier, Gwangju defeated Yokohama Marinos and Kawasaki Frontale, the strongest teams in Japan. Gwangju, which had nine points, maintained the lead as the only team in the East Asian group to win the match. Although there are five more matches to play, Gwangju's chances of advancing to the round of 16 strongest teams are quite high given the current trend.
The expression "Lee Jung-hyo Magic" is not excessive. Gwangju is the team that spends the least labor cost in K League 1. The environment is also poor. Gwangju played in Yongin due to the grass condition at its home stadium. They said the grass condition was good, but they were not used to it, and they had to endure a travel distance close to the away game. Despite bad conditions, Gwangju is on a winning streak.
Lee led Gwangju to the K-League 2 title and direct promotion in 2022, the first season since his inauguration. Last year, Lee caused a stir by ranking third in the top division. He fell to the Final B in the K-League 1 this season, but is making a splash in the ACLE stage.
Lee's reputation is heading beyond Korea to Asia and the world. ESPN, a sports media outlet, introduced Lee as "Korean Mourinho" on the 20th and spotlighted him. With the expression "Rookie," he praised Lee for making outstanding achievements and transforming Gwangju into a team that plays modern soccer.
Over the past three seasons, Lee has been well-received for his aggressive yet dynamic tactics. On top of that, he gets good scores in player management and leadership. He is sometimes criticized for his unexpected remarks and remarks, but ESPN has categorized Lee's standout side as his own personality when comparing him with Jose Mourinho. In fact, Lee's passion for players has become a point to watch. At the match against Johor, Lee also encouraged players by throwing balls during matches. It was the highlight of the match.
With capability, performance, and showmanship, Lee stands tall as the leader of the K-League. While other teams in the K-League are struggling on the ACLE stage, Gwangju is at the top of the list by defeating difficult enemies in succession. Lee and Gwangju are "treasure" of the K-League in this season's ACLE.
More than 50 Johor fans who visited the Mir Stadium in Yongin also generously applauded to Lee and Gwangju. After the game, Lee took the players to the front of Johor supporters and greeted them together. Despite the fierce battle, Lee displayed "respect" for Johor fans who came all the way to Yongin.
"The Kawasaki players greeted our fans in the last away match in Japan. Johor fans also came a long way. We have to learn what we learn. I hope other K-League teams learn their cheering culture from now on. That's why I went there to greet them," Lee said. Lee, who is the most innovative coach in the K-League, is expanding his scope outside of games. 메이저놀이터