Ulsan: Ulsan HD FC head coach Kim Pan-gon expressed his satisfaction after guiding the team to their third consecutive K League title, following their 2-1 victory over Gangwon FC. Kim, who took over the coaching role in July, has been working extensively to revive the club's performance, dedicating up to 13 hours a day to achieve this goal. According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim stepped in as head coach after Hong Myung-bo left the team to manage the South Korean men's national team. Ulsan had dropped to fourth place in the 12-team competition, a situation that was not acceptable for a club accustomed to winning titles. Kim's hard work and dedication were rewarded as Ulsan secured the championship, amassing 68 points, seven points clear of Gangwon, with only two matches remaining. Kim, who previously managed the Malaysian men's national team, expressed his gratitude to Ulsan for the opportunity and highlighted the pressure to continue the club's championship streak. He is notably the first person to have won a K League title with Ulsan both as a player and as a head coach. Kim's past experiences of taking over teams mid-season gave him confidence, although he acknowledged the unique challenges of this role. Despite initial challenges, Kim emphasized the importance of his players' trust and adaptability to new tactics. He recounted how a player's positive feedback on the new approach boosted his morale. Addressing concerns about the aging core of his players, Kim maintained that age is not a limiting factor, emphasizing their excellent conditioning, work ethic, and passion as key attributes to their continued success.
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