Gwangju FC Keeps Lee Jung-hyo’s Football DNA

By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) ||

Gwangju FC may have a new manager on the touchline, but the team’s identity still carries the imprint of former head coach Lee Jung-hyo.

Following FIFA’s registration ban last year, Gwangju was unable to reinforce its squad during the winter transfer window and instead promoted several players from the club’s youth academy. At the same time, a number of key players departed. Given these circumstances, many observers quickly labeled the club as a likely relegation candidate.

New head coach Lee Jeong-kyu, however, entered the season determined to challenge those expectations. “I want to break people’s predictions,” Lee said at the start of the campaign. The first sign of that ambition came in the second round of the K League 1 season on March 7, when Gwangju hosted newly promoted Incheon United. In a dramatic match that stretched into 11 minutes of stoppage time, Gwangju secured a thrilling 3–2 victory – Lee’s first win since taking charge of the team.

Choe Kyoung-rok opened the scoring, while Sin Chang-moo added two goals to give Gwangju the advantage. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min saved a penalty from Incheon striker Mugosa. With many expecting the match to end in a draw, Kim’s save preserved the victory.

Although not every tactical element worked perfectly against Incheon, Lee’s efforts to implement a coherent system were already evident. One of the most notable experiments involved veteran midfielder Ju Se-jong. Known throughout his career as a central midfielder, Ju was deployed on the wing for the first time. In Gwangju’s starting 4-4-2 formation, he lined up as a left midfielder and often pushed forward like a traditional winger during attacking phases. Ju reportedly spent a week preparing for the unfamiliar role.

During the match, Ju frequently cut inside, while Ha Seung-un – who has previously played as both a left back and a forward – made overlapping runs to support the attack. For a team like Gwangju, which relies heavily on coordinated and systematic attacking play, players capable of penetrating defensive lines and exploiting pockets of space are essential.

Another notable development has been Gwangju’s continued reliance on teenage defenders. With the transfer ban preventing new signings, the club promoted three players from Kumho High School, including two center backs.

Kim Yong-hyeok started the opening match of the season, while Kong Bae-hyeon was called into action against Incheon after veteran defender Min Sang-gi suffered an early injury. Kong went on to play nearly the full 90 minutes.

Center back remains the most vulnerable position in Gwangju’s squad this season. The team currently has only five options for the role: veterans Ahn Young-gyu and Min Sang-gi, along with teenagers Kim Yong-hyeok and Kong Bae-hyeon, and Kwak Sung-hoon, who joined on loan from Suwon Samsung.

Given those limitations, the club has little choice but to continue relying on young players fresh out of high school. Lee Jeong-kyu previously stated that Kim Yong-hyeok would be given opportunities early in the season, yet Kong Bae-hyeon started the second match due to his stronger form in training. According to Lee, playing time will be determined strictly by performance and preparation.

Through the first two matches of the season, Gwangju’s playing style has largely mirrored the tactical philosophy established by Lee Jung-hyo over the past four years. The team maintained a steady tempo throughout the full 90 minutes and applied quick, organized pressure in the opponent’s half when opportunities arose.

Even in the closing stages of the matches, Gwangju continued to display coordinated attacking movement, a high work rate, and a structured buildup – hallmarks of the system built under the previous manager.

Lee Jeong-kyu is well acquainted with that approach. From 2022 to 2024, he served as Lee Jung-hyo’s assistant coach and was deeply influenced by his methods. Their tactical philosophies are widely regarded as similar, which explains why the club chose Lee Jeong-kyu as the successor following Lee Jung-hyo’s departure. Maintaining continuity, particularly during a period when the squad cannot be strengthened, was seen as essential to preserving stability within the team.

After the victory over Incheon, Lee emphasized the collective spirit that drives the club. “We always stress the idea of adapting to the team,” he noted. “From myself as head coach to the players and staff, everyone is working together to meet the needs of the team.”

Yet he also sees opportunity in the challenge. “Because we lack numbers, young players like Kim Yong-hyeok and Kong Bae-hyeon participate in almost every training session,” Lee revealed. “At other clubs, prospects sometimes struggle just to get involved in first-team training. Here they gain valuable experience quickly, which helps their development.”

Lee believes the team’s potential has been underestimated. “I think what you see in matches is not even half of what we achieve in training,” he remarked. “People think Gwangju is weak, but that may simply be because I’m a new head coach. Our players are very talented and have plenty of room to grow.”

The new manager has also made it clear that he intends to continue the footballing philosophy established by his predecessor. “I like the same style of football that Coach Lee Jung-hyo promoted,” he asserted. “I will do my best not to damage the reputation he built here.”

Under Lee Jeong-kyu, Gwangju FC’s season has begun with unexpected momentum. If the team can maintain its current form, the label of “relegation candidate” may soon fade away.

Cover Photo: Gwangju FC’s new head coach, Lee Jeong-kyu. (K League)