Shin Jin-ho (35) and Lee Myung-joo (33, Incheon United) drew attention as the best ‘combi’ of the K-League this season. The two are ‘soul mates’ who played an active role together at Yeungnam University and Pohang Steelers in the past. With a lot of activity and an organic pass, Pohang’s Korea Football Association (FA) Cup win was jointly held. Prior to the season, Incheon coach Cho Seong-hwan, as well as his teammates, expressed high expectations.
I opened the lid. To be honest, the breathing between the two is still not perfect. Shin Jin-ho is adjusting to his new team, and Lee Myung-joo has been immersed in rehabilitation for a while due to an injury. As much as expectations were high, it is also a great disappointment. While the two faltered, Incheon remained in 10th place, recording 3 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses (13 points) in 13 matches of ‘Hanawon Q K League 1 2023’. This season, Shin Jin-ho, Zerso, and Mpoku were recruited, and it is quite different from what they aimed for at the top.
Coach Cho Seong-hwan said ahead of the league home game against Jeonbuk Hyundai held at the Incheon Soccer Stadium on the 14th, “We lacked the number of midfielders. The burden has been added to the midfielder.” On this day, coach Cho took a 3-5-2 formation out of the 3-4-3 tactic. However, on this day, the Shin Jin-ho-Lee Myeong-joo combination was a ‘half success’.
After the game, Shin Jin-ho expressed his honest feelings. He said, “Neither I nor Lee Myung-ju are not satisfied at all. I think I have to match the play I can do well with the play this team does well after coming to Incheon. I have played a lot of leading plays. I think it was a team that was a bit familiar with the game. We are not in the traditional counterattack form, we have the ball and try to play a leading game. I think we need time and breathing between the players.”안전놀이터
The two pledged to reverse the season. Shin Jin-ho said, “There are regrettable parts. I think it’s a transitional period. I think it will get better. I don’t know what will happen for now, but I think we need to improve while adjusting a little more, such as during the break in June. I also have a strong desire to win. “I lose a lot, but I’m not used to losing a lot. Personally, it’s true that it’s difficult. I think it’s something that I have to overcome together with my colleagues. I think I can become more mature through this kind of experience. I think I have no choice but to overcome it now.” promised Lee Myung-joo also said, “I think it will get better in the future.”