In this file photo from Dec. 1, 2024, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors head coach Kim Do-heon awaits the kickoff of the first leg of the K League promotion-relegation playoff against Seoul E-Land FC at Mokdong Stadium in Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — After barely avoiding relegation to the second division, nine-time K League 1 champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors announced Monday they have parted ways with head coach Kim Do-heon.
Jeonbuk said the two sides mutually agreed to terminate the deal, after Kim coached the club for the final 24 matches of the 38-match campaign. Kim had been signed through 2025.
Jeonbuk had seven wins, seven draws and 10 losses on Kim’s watch after recording three wins, five draws and six losses under former boss Dan Petrescu and then caretaker manager Park Won-jae.
They finished the season in 10th place and fell into a promotion-relegation playoff against Seoul E-Land FC from the K League 2. Needing to win the two-legged showdown to stay in the K League 1 for 2025, Jeonbuk held off Seoul E-Land FC 4-2 on aggregate — not convincing enough to instill faith in the disgruntled fan base that things will be better in 2025.
Kim, 42, had served as caretaker manager in 2023 and coached Jeonbuk to five wins, two draws and a loss before Petrescu took over. But he wasn’t nearly as successful as the full-time boss this year as he struggled to repair the fractured locker room.
Jeonbuk said while they gave Kim high marks for his tactical chops and potential for further growth on that front, they were disappointed with Kim’s leadership.
“In order for us to return to the top of the K League and also in Asian football, we felt we needed to make bold changes,” Jeonbuk said in a statement.
Kim said he had a “valuable learning experience” while coaching Jeonbuk and thanked his players for their hard work this year.
“I am really sorry to our fans. I was not able to reward them for their support, and I am leaving with a heavy heart,” Kim said. “From now on, I will be cheering on Jeonbuk as a fan.”
(Yonhap)
