“(FC Seoul and electric power difference) There are things that need to be acknowledged in some areas.”

Suwon Samsung안전놀이터 lost 1-3 in the first ‘Super Match’ of the season against FC Seoul in the 8th round of ‘Hanawon Q K League 1 2023’ held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 22nd. It was a game where the difference in power was felt more than the score. Seoul played concise and confident play, while Suwon improved in the second half, but overall was sluggish.

Seoul led both shots (15-10) and effective shots (8-4). Suwon did not record a single effective shot in the first half. It is also true that Suwon is in a crisis of desperation. Suwon is in last place with 2 draws and 6 losses in 8 matches. In the end, coach Lee Byeong-geun was fired on the 18th for poor performance.

Acting head coach Choi will lead the team for the time being, but he is also the first coach. There wasn’t enough time either. It should be seen that the responsibility of the club front desk, which put the responsibility on his shoulders, is heavier than the responsibility for him. Acting Choi entered the press conference after the game with a sad expression. He was silent when asked about his impressions, and he pondered over certain questions from reporters.

And when asked about the gap between Seoul and Suwon, he cautiously acknowledged it. Acting Choi said, “I think there are things that need to be acknowledged in some areas (the difference in power with Seoul). It would be nice if there were a lot of good players and representative players, but the number of people who can operate now is fixed. I will not give up until the end, and I will try my best not to let the players die.”

There is no need to look elsewhere for Suwon. It’s the same when you look at Seoul. Seoul, too, has not performed well in recent years. Then, in September 2021, Seoul appointed director Ahn Ik-soo. Coach Ahn solidified his direction with half-space strategy and organic movement. He evaluated that ‘Seoul plays good football’ inside the team even when the results were not good. And this season, they raised their power by recruiting a large number of players such as Lim Sang-hyeop, Park Soo-il, and Hwang Eui-jo. Director Ahn is showing his practicality. He is producing results like that. It’s early in the season, but it’s a meaningful move.

During the same period, Suwon only changed two managers, but nothing else has changed. The philosophy of soccer and the direction of the club are still unclear. Acting Choi explained, “The club only asked (to me) to help the team.” Suwon started the process of appointing a new head coach. Several names are rising and falling in Hama Pyeong.

As an official from Suwon said, “The ‘Real Blue’ policy is a misunderstanding,” accurate and clear criteria must be established in the process of appointing a coach. It should be in line with the vision of the club and the philosophy and direction it pursues. A manager who simply knows the club well or has a reputation cannot move forward through continuity. The Suwon club and the front should look back on themselves. Acting Choi’s recognition and acceptance of reality should be taken seriously.