After finishing the 2023 K League 1 season in second place, Pohang Steelers head coach Kim Ki-dong called it a “satisfying year” for the professional soccer team.Pohang played a goalless draw against Gwangju FC in the final 38th round of the Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 season at Gwangju Football Stadium on March 3.Pohang’s final record is second (16 wins, 16 draws, 6 losses, 64 points) behind champions Ulsan Hyundai (23 wins, 7 draws, 8 losses, 76 points).This is the first time in the last five seasons that teams other than Ulsan and Jeonbuk Hyundai have finished first and second in the league, and Pohang coach Kim, who also won the FA Cup, said at the post-match press conference, “I don’t think it makes sense for us to win the (league) title. I’m satisfied with this,” he laughed.”This year is the 50th anniversary of the club, and I wanted to do something, too. The players followed the direction I wanted them to in games and training, and thanks to that, it was a year where we achieved our goals one by one,” Kim reflected.”It’s a great honor for me, and it’s been a great year,” he added.
Despite his accomplishments, Kim doesn’t expect things to get any easier next season, including the budget.”I haven’t talked to the secretariat yet, but I don’t think (the budget) will change much. “I don’t think (the budget) will change, but I don’t think it’s going to change. It’s a place that receives money from the parent company, so there’s a limit to how much money we can raise,” he said, “but I appreciate the efforts the club is making to meet and communicate with companies.He also had some kind words for Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo, who he faced in the final game of the season.”We communicate once in a while. He calls me and texts me before important matches.” “There should be more teams that play soccer like Gwangju. There should be more teams that defend from the front rather than from the bottom, so that the K League can develop and become more popular.””I think I have a lot to learn even though I’m 스포츠토토존 a junior in terms of always thinking about such soccer,” he added.