Football Season Guide

A rare trophyless season with defeat in the final of the 2023 FA Cup, defeat in 2022/23 Asian Champions League semi-final and a poor showing in the league. Dan Petrescu took over mid-season and struggled a bit with the side respectfully rescuing 4th place when a bottom half finish was conceivable at one point. The addition up front of the league's 2023 top scorer Tiago is an exciting prospect teamed with Hernandes and Young-jae Lee, their transfer business has been eye-catching. A full preseason with coach Petrescu is sure to improve togetherness and tactics after a fractured 2023 campaign. They will most likely be up contending for the title again and will try to push on in the cup competitions. Their squad looks more well-rounded than last year and they've addressed key areas of the team. The ACL last 16 game with Pohang has already shown the improvements made. Their winning DNA as it is known in Korea still exists among a core of seasoned professionals like new captain Jin-su Kim, Jin-seop Park and Jeong-ho Hong alongside the additions of talented Brazilians Tiago and Hernandes. The squad is among the best, highest paid, in the league. They were at times exposed defensively last year and tactically outplayed by a number of opponents. Their defensive shape was likely an area they focused on in preseason because of this with the longevity of stalwart Hong at centre back is a concern with backup at cb weaker.