Ki Sung-yueng and Lingard, the 'superstars,' have departed, and a true 'one team' has emerged... The 'Mobile Strike Force' completed after removing name tags [On-site at Sangam]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

FC Seoul stood atop K League 1 for the first time in 10 years since 2016, claiming the club's seventh championship trophy in its history. Ironically, the puzzle of victory was completed after high-profile stars left the team. It was a victory for the 'Mobile Strike Force,' led by Manager Kim Ki-dong (55)'s signature high pressing and mobility.

Seoul secured an early K League 1 title on their own merit on the 24th with a 1-1 draw against Gangwon FC, regardless of the results of the remaining five matches in the final round.

Unlike the past when they boasted a glamorous squad, Seoul experienced a drain in strength this season. When Ki Sung-yueng, who had been the focal point of the team last year, transferred to Pohang Steelers, extreme turmoil ensued, including so-called 'bus blocking' incidents where angry fans blocked the club bus and protested fiercely. On top of that, Jesse Lingard, a former English Premier League (EPL) player, also left the team ahead of this season. During the season, Song Min-gyu, a key figure in attack, moved to Portugal's CD Nacional.

However, the absence of stars who represented the team became not a crisis but a turning point. Manager Kim Ki-dong focused on maximizing organizational strength rather than relying on the individual skills of specific players. He honed a mobility-centric tactic that involves applying strong pressure from the front line and quickly advancing forward upon winning possession.

As the tactical gears meshed perfectly, individual skills also flourished. Up front, Klimalla emerged as a finisher, scoring 16 goals alongside diligent high pressing. In midfield, Jung Seung-won (8 goals, 7 assists) and Babetz, who excel in activity levels, dominated, perfectly filling the void left by Ki Sung-yueng and Lingard.

The stability of the goalkeeping position and defensive line also reached its peak. The defense anchored by Gu Seong-yun, who recorded the league's highest save percentage (73.6%) through Round 32, veteran Kim Jin-su, foreign center-backs Yazan and Ross, conceded the fewest goals in the league (26 goals), providing a solid foundation for the championship. In particular, Mun Sun-min, who played a valuable role as a 'special joker' in the second half, along with a robust squad depth where even bench players performed their roles without being swayed by specific players' form, served as a major weapon.

Seoul, having removed the name tags of stars, was reborn as a cohesive 'Mobile Strike Force,' resolving a championship drought that had lasted 10 years. Now, Manager Kim Ki-dong's team has taken wing, aiming for higher goals such as consecutive K League titles and conquering the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) stage.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original