[울산=스포츠한국 김성수 기자] Ulsan Hyundai manager Hong Myung-bo (54), who won the opening game, revealed the reason for the early replacement of “ace” Um Won-sang.
Ulsan won 2-1 in the opening match once morest Jeonbuk in the first round of Hana One Q K League 1 2023 held at Ulsan Munsu Soccer Stadium at 2:00 pm on the 25th. Song Min-kyu conceded a goal in the 10th minute of the first half, but Um Won-sang in the 43rd minute of the first half and Rubikson’s goals in the 19th minute of the second half made Ulsan a come-from-behind victory.
At the post-game press conference, head coach Hong Myung-bo said, “I am proud of the players who led the opening game to victory. I am also grateful to the fans who came to visit us. It may have been difficult to motivate with the win last year, but the come-from-behind victory on this day will be a great boost to the team.”
Regarding Um Won-sang’s early replacement in the 8th minute of the second half, “Eom Won-sang felt uncomfortable in his thighs before the game, so he was preparing. He thought he’d better replace it before he got sick. There was also a reason for checking Rubik’s hand. He was a good time replacement,” he said.
As for the halftime instructions, “I told you to stay calm and cool. Be prepared for the opponent to come out rough. The timing for conceding was not good, but it is encouraging to achieve a tie and a reversal.”
Joo Min-gyu, who started as a front-line striker that day, said, “It was good for the first game. The player’s shoulders will be lightened in that he won his first victory in Ulsan’s uniform.”
