‘Unstoppable Blue Wave’ Ulsan Hyundai runs to decorate a page in K-League history beyond the club’s ‘first’.
Last year, after 2005, Ulsan, who wore the third star on their chest for the first time in 17 years, is showing off the dignity of the ‘defending champion’ this season. On February 25, Hyundai started with a 2-1 victory over rival Jeonbuk Hyundai in the opening game, then defeated Gangwon FC (1-0), FC Seoul (2-1), and Suwon FC (3-0) in a row, winning 4 consecutive wins and scoring 12 points. is in the lead by itself.
Ulsan set a meaningful record. Since its inception, it has won four consecutive victories. So far, a total of four times (1998, 2012, 2014, 2021 seasons) have sprinted for three consecutive wins after the opening, but this is the first time for four consecutive wins.
Ulsan, who wrote the history of the first 4 consecutive wins in the founding, challenged the K-League to 7 consecutive wins, the most after an unbroken opening for 20 years. Suwon Samsung in the 1998 season and Seongnam in the 2003 season wrote K-League history with ‘7 consecutive victories’.
If Ulsan defeats Jeju this time, the winning streak will increase from 4 to 5 after the first opening. If they win against Suwon Samsung (April 8, 2:00 PM Munsu Soccer Stadium) and Daejeon Hana Citizen (April 16, 4:30 PM Daejeon World Cup Stadium) in the upcoming game, they will stand shoulder to shoulder with the 20-year-old record.
There are several driving forces behind the winning streak. First of all, after taking over as head coach Hong Myung-bo, ▲ the original team is maintained. Head coach Hong Myung-bo has achieved great results within two years of his appointment by maximizing his strengths and correcting and supplementing his weaknesses through continuous communication with his coaching staff, players, and the office. At the decisive moment, Jeonbuk and Pohang Steelers, which had been caught in their ankles, also cut off the bad ties. He observed all players equally and actively used resources that matched the team’s tactics and philosophy. As a result of removing the line between starting and non-starting, all players are fully prepared, saying, ‘I can go to the game anytime.’ 스포츠토토
Glory is only glory, the most fearsome enemy ▲ ‘conceit’. Director Hong Myung-bo said, “There is another mountain over the hill. There is no time to be drunk with the joy of winning,” he said, emphasizing to the players from before the 2023 season. Players equipped with this Hong Myung-bo DNA are gritting their teeth and doing their best to keep their place as champions.
▲ In a necessary position ▲ ‘Recruitment’ is also contributing to the upward trend. Currently, there is no major change in Ulsan’s skeleton from the goalkeeper to the four-back line, waist, and front line. Instead, reinforcements were made to induce competition. Joo Joo-kyu, who was the top scorer, is taking turns playing with Martin Adam, who led the team to the championship last season. Joo Min-gyu led the winning streak against Seoul and Suwon FC with two goals in a row.
Former captain Lee Chung-yong, Eom Won-sang, and Bakko are still alive in the second line, while Esaka from the Japanese national team, Swedish duo Rubiksson and Boyanich, and Kim Min-hyeok, who was strong in Ulsan during Seongnam FC, are adding strength. Esaka is injecting power with a simple touch and technique unique to Japan, and the ground is embroidered with the vigorous activity of Rubik’s hand. After a bold shot, he scored two goals. Boyanich, who made his debut in the match against Suwon FC, showed the true value of a creative ‘American’ fielder with clever game management and passing skills. Boyanich can take turns as Park Yong-Woo and Lee Gyu-Sung depending on the situation. Kim Min-hyeok also quickly melted into the team with his outstanding soccer intelligence. As such, the existing resources and the transfer students who succeeded in a soft landing created synergy and were reborn as a stronger Ulsan.
Ulsan, who spent the A match break to the fullest, will go on a 5-game winning streak in the 5th round expedition of Hana 1 Q K League 1 2023 with Jeju United at 2:00 pm on April 2 at Jeju World Cup Stadium. The prospects are bright. Ulsan is strong against Jeju. Last season, they had 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, and they have the upper hand with 64 wins, 55 draws and 50 losses in their career record.