"It's so hard to realize that the team I love has become like this. I want to tell the fans that I'm so sorry that I can't lift my head."
Suwon Samseong legend Yeom Ki-hoon (40) expressed his sincerity to the fans. But the reality of relegation was harsh. The legend's apology could not placate the angry fans. Suwon fans even threw red smoke bombs. The smoke bombs landed in front of the Suwon players, including acting coach Yeom Ki-hoon. It was an especially sad scene because it was the retirement game of a veteran who had dedicated 13 years to the Suwon club.
The veteran's wish was not fulfilled. Suwon drew 0-0 at home against Gangwon FC in the final match of the 38th round at Suwon World Cup Stadium on Feb. 2. A point was not enough to overtake Gangwon FC (10th) and Suwon FC (11th), and Suwon ended up in last place (12th). It was the first relegation in the club's history since its founding in 1995.
The shocking relegation left acting head coach Yeom Ki-hoon unable to leave his seat long after the final whistle. He sat on the bench and held his head in his hands, clearly in pain. He was even seen in tears. 토토사이트
Yeom Ki-hoon, a former national winger, is arguably Suwon's greatest legend. After donning the Suwon jersey in 2010, he played for the club for a whopping 13 years, excluding his military service. This season was his retirement season. In order to help the team as much as possible, he postponed his retirement last year and started the season as a playing coach. In September, he took over as acting head coach, replacing Kim Byung-soo, who was suddenly fired. However, he was unable to prevent Suwon's relegation.
Normally, in his last game, he would have thanked the fans. But in the face of relegation, Yeom Ki-hoon couldn't do that. He could only offer a tearful apology. "I'm so sorry for the fans. The players did their best on the field, but in the end, the result was unwanted and unexpected." "Suwon will go up again. I want the players to be strong. I don't regret my choice (to take over as acting head coach). This situation came about because I wasn't good enough, and I wanted to do something for the team."
Now that he's retired from active duty, Yeom is still undecided about his future. He has decided to pursue a coaching career. However, he may part ways with the club. "I have a strong desire to coach," he said. I don't know where I will start again, but I will continue to pursue my dream of coaching. I have to talk to Suwon about the future. Whether it's Suwon or somewhere else, I will live the life of a coach."