Ulsan HD Wins Third Consecutive K-League Title Under Kim Pan-gon’s Leadership
Ulsan’s Impressive Run
Yesterday’s win was Ulsan’s eighth in 11 K-League matches since late July. (AFP pic)
Relieved and Honoured
Ulsan HD’s Kim Pan-gon said he was relieved to have led the club to their third K-League title in a row after overcoming doubts about taking on the head coach role midway through the season.
A New Chapter in Ulsan’s History
Kim’s side defeated nearest challengers Gangwon FC 2-1 yesterday to secure the club’s fifth league title and the first since the former Malaysia national team head coach replaced Hong Myung-bo at the helm in late July.
A Player’s Coach
"I was so honoured to have a chance to work with such great players, and I knew I absolutely had to win a title here," said Kim, who spent five seasons with Ulsan as a player before starting his coaching career in Hong Kong in 2002.
"There was a lot of pressure to extend the championship-winning streak. I am really happy to get it done," he added.
A New Challenge
Kim took over when Hong, who guided Ulsan to back-to-back championship wins in 2022 and 2023, quit the club to become the long-term replacement for Juergen Klinsmann as South Korea national team boss.
Overcoming Doubts
Ulsan has lost only once in the K-League following Kim’s arrival, and the victory over Gangwon, which came through goals from Gustav Ludwigson and Joo Min-kyu, was the club’s eighth in 11 league matches since Hong’s departure.
Kim’s Journey to Success
That run of results came despite Kim privately questioning whether he had made the right decision to move back to South Korea to become a K-League head coach for the first time in his career.
"For the past month or so, I kept wondering if I hadn’t made the wrong choice to take this job at all," he said.
"But I had to overcome those challenges on my own. Crying in self-pity wasn’t going to solve anything.
"Ultimately, having my players trust in me and follow my lead was the biggest reason that we won," he added.
Conclusion
Ulsan HD’s third consecutive K-League title is a testament to Kim Pan-gon’s leadership and the team’s determination. Despite initial doubts, Kim’s side has proven themselves to be a formidable force in the league, and this victory is a significant achievement for the club.
FAQs
- How many K-League titles has Ulsan HD won?
Ulsan HD has won five league titles, including their current streak of three consecutive titles. - Who is Kim Pan-gon?
Kim Pan-gon is the head coach of Ulsan HD, who previously played for the club for five seasons before starting his coaching career in Hong Kong in 2002. - What was the score in the game against Gangwon FC?
Ulsan HD won 2-1 against Gangwon FC, with goals from Gustav Ludwigson and Joo Min-kyu.