“Well, it’s easy for me to keep doing it. The thing I can do best is soccer.”
Koo Ja-cheol (34) of the K-League 1 Jeju United, who participated in the 2022 Qatar World Cup as a commentator, chose soccer when asked, “Which was easier between broadcasting and soccer?”
Koo Ja-cheol announced that he had returned to his ‘main job’ at the ‘2023 K-League Winter Battery Training Media Camp’ held at Parev Hotel in Seogwipo, Jeju on the 7th.
Koo Ja-cheol, who served as a KBS commentator during the World Cup, looked back and said, “I wanted to be part of the junior players representing the country and giving them joy. It was a happy time for me as well (the players) produced results.”
He said, “After that time, I also recharged. I am preparing with the thought that I want to make a team that Jeju residents can be proud of this season.”
Having played overseas stages such as Germany and Qatar, he returned to the K-League last season after 11 years and raised fans’ expectations, but struggled with big and small injuries.
Koo Ja-cheol, who missed several times due to injuries such as injuring the muscle on the back of his thigh (hamstring) in early April of last year, only played 9 games last season.
His offensive points were only 1 goal and 1 assist.
Regarding this, coach Nam Ki-il said, “When Koo Ja-cheol returned last season, he was not in 100% condition. Due to frequent injuries, his mind became impatient.” Still, he always had a positive influence on the team. My condition is improving ahead of the new season.”
At the same time, he commented, “I think it would be good for many people to look forward to it. And he continues to play a good role as the middle point between the coaching staff and the players.”
Koo Ja-cheol said, “I’m preparing hard. I returned to Korea after finishing the winter training in Thailand without any problems with my muscles or physical condition.”
“The coach seems to be looking forward to it. We have to prove that expectation with results,” he said.
Koo Ja-cheol actively agreed with director Nam’s slogan, ‘Break the Yanggang structure’.
Previously, coach Nam emphasized that he would try to break the dichotomy between Ulsan and Jeonbuk Hyundai and make Jeju stand at the top of the K-League.
Koo Ja-cheol said, “I confirmed last year that Jeju is a capable team.” 토토사이트
Koo Ja-cheol, who is starting the new season as a member of the ‘leaders’, said, “If you talk a lot, trust will inevitably build up.”
Jeju is led by captain Choi Yeong-jun, Koo Ja-cheol, Jeong-woon, Kim O-gyu, Ahn Hyun-beom,
Koo Ja-cheol explained, “When the coach wants to communicate, the captain’s team is the justification. All of them are senior players, so they can serve as a bridge as one of the many channels of communication.”