It was not simply a game of running hard... The details crafted by Coach Jeong Kyung-ho, who emphasized "attacking while preparing for counterattacks."

*This content was translated by AI.

Gangwon FC's intense pressure and high energy level were not simply about running a lot. While launching attacks from the front, they also anticipated opponents' counterattacks immediately after losing possession. At the foundation of this approach was Coach Jeong Gyeong-ho's meticulous tactical design.

This season, Gangwon has recorded 7 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses, accumulating 27 points to sit in fifth place in the league. Having played one fewer match than the top-tier teams, a victory over FC Seoul on the 12th could propel them as high as second place. The core of Gangwon's upward momentum is undoubtedly their intense pressure. Leveraging immense activity levels, they quickly close in on opponents once they gain possession and narrow passing lanes to eliminate the opponent's options. This powerful weapon can even force errors from the opposition.

In fact, Gangwon also demonstrated the power of pressure in their away match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors held on the 4th. Leading 1-0, they intercepted a ball in the opponent's half in the 8th minute of the second half and immediately converted it into an attacking opportunity, with Lee Yu-hyun scoring an additional goal. Thanks to this, Gangwon secured a 2-1 victory in the difficult away game at Jeonbuk.

Gangwon's pressing tactics are not executed in just one form. It is important not only to individual activity levels but also to team tactics that move together with teammates. In the match against Jeonbuk, this pressing structure functioned properly, laying the foundation for victory. In this process, Coach Jung Kyung-ho's attention to detail played a crucial role.

Head coach Jeong Kyung-ho emphasized "cover shadow" and "rest defense" after the match against Jeonbuk. Cover shadow is a tactic that blocks passing lanes of the opponent. It is not simply about chasing down the player with the ball to succeed in pressing. To be effective, while applying pressure, positions, spacing, and directions must be organically maintained among teammates.

Kangwon players unanimously agreed that thanks to Coach Jeong Kyung-ho's detailed guidance and explanations, even complex tactical requirements could be easily implemented on the field.

Lee Yu-hyun explained about cover shadow, saying it "is directly related to the players at the front line," and added that "it is a defensive method where two strikers press the opposing center backs, blocking passing lanes aimed at the opponent's midfielders, allowing two or three defenders to mark up to four opponents."

He added, "Coach Jung Kyung-ho provides very detailed guidance on how we can structurally secure a win depending on the opponent's approach. Whether during build-up or in defense, he explains in detail such points as 'Since the opponent is coming out this way, we must respond accordingly' and 'Since the opponent's defensive formation is like this, we need to attack it in this manner.'"

He also expressed gratitude, saying, "It seems easy to implement on the field since the players are informed in a way they can easily understand."

Rest defense is a tactic in which a team manages risks in advance to prepare for counterattacks even while attacking. The core of this strategy lies in players remaining behind to identify and block the opponent's counterattack paths, ensuring that the team does not immediately fall into crisis even if they fail to attack and lose possession of the ball.

Lee Yu-hyun said, "Director Jeong Kyung-ho prepares these aspects with great detail," and explained that he "informs us who should remain in which position during an attack, where the opponent can come from when we lose the ball, and how to block those paths."

He added, "Because such a structure is well established, we can also create scenes that block the opponent's counterattacks and transition back to our own offense."

Earlier, Coach Jung Kyung-ho emphasized these tactical aspects multiple times, highlighting them as the direction Gangwon must pursue. Therefore, even during the physically demanding midsummer, Gangwon's soccer is expected to continue. Lee Gi-hyeok stated, "Just watching our players run, many people will likely think they are running a lot," and added, "Frankly, I do not believe there are many attackers capable of executing the pressure that harasses opposing defenders."

At the same time, he explained, "However, I believe we can play high-energy soccer because our team's attackers and teammates perform so well."

Lee Ki-hyeok emphasized that Gangwon's direction is unlikely to change easily. He said, "There is a point that Coach Jeong Kyung-ho constantly emphasizes: even in hot weather, we must play the football we aim for until the end." He added, "We may devise several different plans, but the football we pursue will remain the same. Our goal is to firmly establish our direction and build our own style of football."

Manager Jung Kyung-ho also applauded the team's tactical understanding. He stated, "Even if it is not 100%, the players understand almost perfectly and strive to implement it on the field. They are prepared for situations when the game unfolds and when they face counters. The players understand well and share how to respond in each situation."

He further emphasized, "I believe results will come when we pour our offense, defense, and transition methods onto the field."

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*This content was translated by AI.