Ahn Ik-soo (58), coach of FC Seoul in the professional football K League 1, declared an escape from the sluggish situation.
Coach Ahn, who met at GS Champions Park in Acheon-dong, Guri, Gyeonggi Province on the 5th, said, “Seoul has been through a difficult path. The word ‘survival’ does not suit a club called Seoul. We have to break away from that part.” Seoul ranked 3rd in K-League 1 (Part 1) in 2019, but only finished 9th in 2020, 7th in 2021, and 9th in 2022. In particular, Seoul was in danger of being relegated to the K-League 2 (2nd division) in 2021. In September 2021, coach Ahn took office in Seoul, which was in 12th place at the bottom, and saved Seoul from the relegation crisis by working as a firefighter.
Director Ahn emphasized continuity. He said, “Seoul has only disappointed fans for about three years from 2020 to last year 스포츠토토. I really want to improve this year. As a soccer senior before being a leader, I want to provide a better system and environment for my juniors. I will focus on building a system that will be the basis for Seoul to develop and preparing opportunities for development.”
In the past, coach Ahn harassed opponents with suffocating defense during the days of Busan I-Park and Seongnam Ilhwa Command Tower. But now it is different. While maintaining the strength of his defense, he also unleashes an active attack. Coach Ahn’s recent soccer style, called ‘Iksuball’, leads the attack with various build-ups (attack development) and tremendous activity. In particular, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, coach Ahn stayed up all night observing the world’s advanced soccer and upgraded the scuba ball. Based on this, he recruited Im Sang-hyeop and Hosam Iesh to reinforce his power and fill the void of Jo Young-wook and Yoon Jong-gyu, who enlisted.
Coach Ahn is focusing on improving the mental state of his players as well as his tactics and power. Seoul, which is leaving for Thailand on the 8th for field training, visited the Seoul National Cemetery on the 6th. Coach Ahn said, “The country exists because there are soldiers who gave their lives to save the country. We have to be grateful for that part for the rest of our lives.” However, in the same context, I want the players to show sacrifice and dedication for the fans, the club, and the parent company. If you understand those things, it will be an opportunity for the players to unite and unite as one.”