Kim Ji-ho, the ‘son of coach Byun Sung-hwan’, has shown tremendous trust in his mentor.
Suwon Samsung defeated FC Anyang 2-1 in the 26th round of the Hana Bank K League 2 2024 at Yongin Mir Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Suwon continued its unbeaten run under Byun Sung-hwan, going unbeaten in 10 matches (4 wins, 6 draws). They were fifth in the standings. It was the first win for Suwon since moving to Yongin Mir Stadium due to renovations at the Suwon World Cup Stadium. The crowd that day was 8,370.
Kim Ji-ho scored again. Born in 2003, Kim Ji-ho grew up in the youth ranks of Suwon and Seongnam FC and also played for Yongin Football Center. While attending Korea University, he joined Suwon after being recruited by coach Byun Sung-hwan. After getting his chance, Kim was named the best player of the round in the 24th round against Bucheon FC 1995, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Against Anyang, Kim Ji-ho was active on the right side of the field and scored one goal and one assist.
He was involved in all of Suwon’s goals. Kim Ji-ho’s early goal helped Suwon get the momentum going. In the post-match press conference, head coach Byun Sung-hwan said of Kim Ji-ho, “I fully expected his performance. I knew Kim Ji-ho when he was 11 years old. He was my first student. When I was 37 years old and the youth coach of Seongnam FC, I saw him as a pupil and watched how he grew. I monitored him constantly and communicated with him. I needed a player who could play the kind of soccer I wanted at wing-forward and I made an offer to Kim Ji-ho. It wasn’t a good deal, but he agreed to join me. We don’t talk much, but I know what we both want. I gave him the opportunity and he reciprocated, so I’m quite satisfied that he played a decisive role.”
Kim Ji-ho, who was named the Most Valuable Player, said, “Starting from today, we will meet Anyang, Jeonnam Dragons, and Seoul Eland. I vowed to go on a winning streak and get to the top of the standings, and I’m very happy to lead my team to victory with my offensive points.” “It’s great to be here in this interview. I’m grateful to the coach and the club for giving me this opportunity.”
“When I was in elementary school, he appeared wearing sunglasses. He had great charisma. I was overwhelmed by his charisma. His leadership and management skills were exceptional. I’m learning a lot from him as a 메이저사이트 footballer. Tactically, he suits me well. I’m grateful for the opportunity. Coach Byun is the best coach,” he said.
When asked about his ambitions before joining Suwon, he said, “My main position was on the side, but I played attacking and defensive midfield in college. I had a tough time. The coach gave me a chance and I was able to play on the side again,” he said. “Coach Byun Sung-hwan called me directly and asked me to join the team. I said yes, regardless of the conditions. My parents were the same way. I wanted to go pro, and I’m living my dream, and I’m happy every day. I didn’t think about contract terms or money. I’m playing happy soccer with my coach,” he said.
As for his first goal at the Yongin Mir Stadium, he said, “It’s more meaningful to leave the Yongin Football Center. I was able to score thanks to the help of my teammates. I was lucky to score the goal. It was good that the team was able to win.”
When asked about his strengths, he said, “The new milat, Paulinho, is really good. I can learn a lot from him on the field. I want to show that I can be a competitor on the field and do well on the side, so I can survive for a long time on the field.”
Kim Ji-ho said, “I got my first paycheck and received my allowance. Tomorrow I’m going to a nice restaurant with my parents. I bought coffee for the players with my salary, but there’s not much left. I got a haircut,” and shared what he did with his first paycheck.
“I was physically tired in the first half, and in the second half, my muscles came up and I hesitated, but I had good players behind me, so I was substituted and watched the game with peace of mind. I thank my teammates for playing until the end,” he concluded.