Chapter 10
Kim Chun-jae, a midfielder for Jeonbuk, was known by the nickname Chunje (Spring Emperor).
Directly translated, it means Emperor of Spring, and while one might think it’s because he is a great player, the true meaning behind it isn’t so flattering.
The reason he got that nickname wasn’t for a good reason.
Emperor of Spring.
If he’s an emperor, why the spring modifier?
There’s a simple reason for that.
Kim Chun-jae’s form rises to league-best levels every spring.
So, what about the other seasons?
He’s a complete flop.
The incredible form he shows in spring disappears, and he spends the rest of the season struggling and ends up as a substitute.
He’s not just inconsistent from game to game. He shines only in spring and fades away afterward. The nickname wasn’t given because he was an emperor but to mock the fact that his form plummets outside of spring.
To make matters worse, with the erratic weather due to global warming…
Even in April, it feels like summer, so at most, Chun-jae hyung shows his top form in about three games.
It drives both fans and the coach crazy.
What’s the problem that makes his form collapse as soon as spring ends? Yet, it’s hard to let go of a player who shows destructive form in spring, thinking he might improve with just a little adjustment.
Of course, there’s a limit to patience, so there comes a time when they decide to sell him…
But just when that time comes, it’s as if his DNA insists he should stay in Jeonbuk, and he suddenly shows flashes of his Chunje form again.
What was it again? Chun-jae hyung repeating that behaviour so often that whenever he performed well outside of spring, people would joke, “Did Chunje change the seasons?”
It’s funny but must be embarrassing for him.
Because of this, even when I was Kang Yoon-ho, Chun-jae hyung often asked me not to call him by that nickname in front of him.
It was that humiliating for him. But I never saw Chun-jae hyung as an inconsistent player.
To be precise, I didn’t see him as a bland player who couldn’t do anything after spring, but as one with the potential to become a versatile asset.
Just by looking at his tools, they’re impressive. Standing 183 cm tall and being left-footed, while he might not be able to deliver precise kicks or passes with his right foot, he can handle ball control proficiently, and he can play as a left-back, defensive midfielder, and central midfielder, making him a true utility player.
Of course, as a third-line player, he’s more involved in the attack like a box-to-box midfielder rather than playing a holding or anchor role. Still, being able to play the position at all is a significant advantage.
The downside is that he’s a bit slow in movement and has stamina issues, causing him to falter as the match progresses.
Whether it’s because his intelligence drops as his stamina depletes or not, he sometimes recklessly attempts impossible tackles and earns cards. He also struggles to keep up with the game’s tempo at times.
He even has difficulty when the game becomes intense or when facing heavy pressure from the opposition.
But I think I could somewhat solve those issues.
When summarizing the information about Chun-jae hyung, you could evaluate him like this:
He has weak stamina and is lacking in mobility. He struggles when assigned too many roles or when under significant pressure. However, his ball control is unmatched in the league, and if the game flows at his tempo, his weaknesses are minimized, and his Chunje form re-emerges.
If someone could just adjust the tempo and reduce his workload, he could become an outstanding multi-position player for the second and third lines.
And it’s not like I’d need to give orders or anything. When he drops back to the third line, the pressure will be relatively lighter. All I need to do is match the tempo.
Although defensive concerns remain, I could run a bit more to provide stability, allowing Chun-jae hyung to play more comfortably in his own style.
So, what I needed to do with Chun-jae hyung was clear.
“What is it? Why are you staring at me like that? Do you have something to say? Then go ahead, I have time.”
“You have time? And you’ve finished your energy bar, right?”
“Energy bar? Yeah, I’ve eaten it all, but why?”
“To get some practice in together. To get in form for the Ulsan match.”
“What?”
Seeing the puzzled look on Chun-jae hyung’s face, I couldn’t help but smile.
***
By March, the K League season had officially begun.
Jeonbuk’s Round 1 opponent was Ulsan MR, the defending champion among the 12 teams, in a home match.
[Woah~ Woah~ Woah~ Woah~
Woah Woah Woah~
Jeonbuk FC Jeonbuk FC Jeonbuk FC Woaaah~]
True to a match held at Jeonju Castle, the Mad Green Boys began singing their cheers enthusiastically even before the game started.
With that song in the background, the coach took a breath in the center of the locker room before announcing the starting lineup.
“Alright, here’s today’s starting lineup. If you haven’t fully grasped it yet, check again and remember your roles for this match.”
[Jeonbuk Mirae Motors]
4-2-3-1
Yoon Seung-hwan
Park Yeon-woo, Shaferi
Andres
Kim Chun-jae, Baek Ian
Han Kyung-rok, Jung Seung-yoon, Yoo Seung-won, Han Gang-rok
Joo Tae-young
Instead of the 3-2-4-1 used in the Suwon match, the coach’s new formation was a 4-2-3-1.
It seemed likely that he wanted to utilize the impressive fullback resources of Han Gang-rok and Han Kyung-rok as inverted fullbacks, aiming for a stable buildup from the back through an organic 3-2 buildup.
“Hmm…”
Most players nodded or prepared for the match with their routines, as they had already heard the starting lineup at the club house.
However, Chun-jae hyung couldn’t hide his anxious expression.
He seemed burdened by the fact that he would be playing in the third line, not his usual second line.
I could understand how he felt.
It’s tough playing in an unfamiliar position, and having to do so in a high-stakes derby match was even more daunting.
Especially since Ulsan is, like Suwon, an opponent Jeonbuk must defeat.
Jeonbuk and Ulsan… aren’t they teams that treat each other like enemies?
They used to have a good relationship because they shared the same parent company, Mirae Corporation.
But ever since Jeonbuk’s victory over Ulsan in the semifinals of the 2006 ACL, a rivalry began to form between them.
Adding fuel to the fire, Kim Sung-wook’s move from Ulsan to Jeonbuk, followed by his intense celebration against his former team’s fans, didn’t help either.
Due to the aftermath of the match-fixing scandal, Jeonbuk was stripped of their ACL participation rights, and Ulsan, who took their place, ended up getting eliminated.
At that time, Jeonbuk’s Kim Jung-su’s legendary initiation with the words, “I told you we’d handle it,” drove Ulsan fans crazy, and they began to see Jeonbuk as their main enemy from then on.
After that, minor incidents continued, and when Ulsan players committed the reckless act of racially discriminating against former Jeonbuk player Sasalak and received only a light punishment, the two teams became bitter enemies who couldn’t stand the sight of each other.
The reason Jeonbuk and Ulsan, once the closest teams in the K League, started calling each other Maebuk and Jjitsan all stemmed from that.
Honestly, Jeonbuk has caused so many incidents that it has plenty of enemies in the K League, but the most animosity is definitely with Suwon and Ulsan.
As a player, I also felt that way, and so did the fans who were here today, passionately singing chants, determined not to lose to Ulsan.
Adding to that, since Ulsan was last season’s defending champion, it was better to beat them in the first round when both teams were at full strength, rather than later when fatigue set in.
It wasn’t surprising that Chun-jae hyung was nervous in such an important match.
“Hyung, don’t worry too much. We spent the past few days practicing together for situations like this.”
“That’s true, but honestly, I’m not sure. It’s a box-to-box role, but I’m not used to playing as a defensive midfielder.”
The cheers outside couldn’t shake the serious look on his face, showing how tense he was about playing in an unfamiliar position.
But today’s match, as the coach decided, called for playing as a defensive midfielder rather than a central one.
Hyung’s strengths lay in creating opportunities with precise kicks and using his strong frame to screen opponents.
His weaknesses, on the other hand, included poor dribbling, limited mobility, lack of stamina, and reckless sliding tackles when his judgment faltered due to exhaustion.
In the centre, these weaknesses are essential attributes, but when moved to the third line, some of them can be compensated for.
Of course, playing one of the most demanding positions would increase his stamina burden.
Even so, with more freedom from pressure and more chances to use his kicking skills, the number 8 position wasn’t necessarily a bad choice.
The coach seemed to think the same.
“Even though we’ve practiced it a lot, using it in a real match for the first time might feel unfamiliar. There are players switching positions, so you might feel pressured. Let’s support each other and navigate the game well, alright?”
“Yes!”
“Remember, there are exactly three things you need to focus on. High-line pressing, forcing inaccurate long passes if you lose the ball in the opponent’s final third, and lastly….”
Coach Seon Ki-baek walked over to Chun-jae hyung and me, placing a hand on each of our shoulders.
“No matter what happens, we must maintain two volantes. If Chun-jae moves up to join the attack, Ian, you need to form an active volante line with Kyung-rok. Got it?”
“Yes!”
“Good. I trust no one here wants to see the fans who came all the way to Jeonju Castle leaving with disappointed faces.”
With a slight smile, Seon Ki-baek returned to the centre and raised his hand.
“They’ll be full of confidence. You can bet they’re bragging about being the king and that we’re mere challengers to the throne. Let’s turn that back on them.”
“…”
“Let’s revive Jeonbuk’s golden days, like in 2010, and remind those Ulsan guys of those memories! Understood?”
“Yes!”
“Then let’s go!”
As the coach shouted, the players erupted in applause, and I headed toward the pitch.
***
In Round 1 of the K League, the Mirae Derby began with Ulsan playing a stable game.
They maintained a certain level of pressure but avoided suffocating pressing, choosing instead to use inverted fullbacks for a 3-2 buildup.
When under pressure, they organically unravelled it and aimed for space with fast wingers’ runs.
It was a simple tactic, but when combined with the quality of their top-tier players, it was a system that opponents would find hard to overcome.
Ulsan, which had dominated the K League last season with this system, was once again showing their teeth.
However, this time, Jeonbuk’s strategy was one step ahead.
Their plan must have been to break through pressure with stable buildup play from the back and exploit the timing when we reorganized the defensive line, aiming for passes into empty spaces. But… we have no intention of reorganizing the defensive line.
To sum up our strategy in one sentence:
We traded defensive stability for extreme pressing.
Even if we lost possession in the opponent’s half, it didn’t matter. Instead of falling back to secure our defense, we rushed forward, pressing harder to force inaccurate long passes.
It was a risky approach and could fail.
Especially since Ulsan had one of the best team depths in the K League, with many skilled players.
Even under tight pressure, making an accurate pass to an open space might not be difficult for them.
But…
That is, if there wasn’t a 191 cm tall volante with winger-level speed standing firm at the back.
“Ian, it’s coming your way!”
Ulsan’s strategy of relying on overwhelming squad quality to suppress Jeonbuk wasn’t going to work.
Other players might struggle, but there was no one in the K League right now with the same quality as me.
This moment was no different.
“Damn it! Why isn’t he being pushed back?”
You can keep trying for the second ball all you want; my body isn’t something a 170 cm player can move.
I noticed the long pass aimed for the final third heading my way and positioned myself to block Ulsan’s winger, Oh Seo-woo, with my back. Bending my knees, I held my ground.
The players call it screen play, a technique commonly known as “playing with your back.” With my 191 cm frame planted firmly in front, the 174 cm thin winger couldn’t advance and was instead pushed back.
The accurate pass meant for the winger turned into an imprecise one in an instant.
As the first condition was met, it signaled the start of the system the coach had set up.
“Phew. Not tired yet? I’ll let you go now, so I’m off!”
“Damn it, that guy!”
Having easily dealt with the winger’s pressure, I quickly moved forward towards the centre circle.
As I moved, I saw Chun-jae hyung raising his pace and running ahead, positioning himself to receive my pass.
‘Since it was based on high pressing, once the counterattack was blocked, we held a numerical advantage of 6 to 4 in the final third.’
Then, no matter how much pressure Chun-jae hyung faced, he should be able to handle it.
This should be doable. If it’s the Chun-jae hyung I know, he can do it.
As soon as I finished that thought, my decision was quick.
“Chun-jae hyung! You can either send it forward or break through yourself! I’m behind you, so don’t worry!”
“Okay!”
Thud!
The moment the ball was passed to him, Chun-jae hyung took possession with a smooth first touch and picked up speed.
At the same time, the volante guarding the centre rushed to press him.
‘…It’s March right now.’
Just like there’s no need for Zidane when Guti’s day arrives, Chun-jae in spring was unstoppable by just one player.
Thud! Whish!
“Shaferi! Return it right away and cut inside!”
“… Alright!”
“Huh?!”
The moment Chun-jae hyung actively utilized the fast Colombian winger who had come down, the numerical advantage between Ulsan and Jeonbuk widened to 6:3.
Defenders who could no longer advance to protect the backline.
At the same time, Chun-jae hyung surged through the centre.
He had plenty of options. He could pass to the wingers and connect with Yoon Seung-hwan, or make a direct pass to Yoon Seung-hwan himself.
If not that, with his strong kick, he could even consider a direct shot.
With three options available, Chun-jae hyung had to make a choice.
“Screw it!”
Boom!
The ball left Chun-jae hyung’s foot just as the midfielders sensed what was happening and started to close in.
His choice was option three… taking a direct shot at the goal.
Boom!
The shot, curled so perfectly it brought to mind prime Arnold and Kevin De Bruyne, soared toward the far post but sadly bounced off the crossbar.
“Ah! No way!”
“Ugh…”
Chun-jae hyung covered his face with both hands, disappointed at losing a golden opportunity.
But it wasn’t entirely bad.
At the very least, he demonstrated that going for a direct shot on goal, the least likely option, could still be a serious threat.
‘Right. After all, hyung is a defensive midfielder.’
Like Aaron Ramsey once said, midfielders can be forgiven for missing an opportunity.
I was just about to walk over and console Chun-jae hyung when it happened.
Thump!
“Ugh!”
[Aaaaah! Seung-hwan, I love youuuu!]
[Oh-oh-re-le~ Oh-oh-re-le~ Oh-oh-re-le~ Oh-oh-re-le~
Oh-oh-re-le~ Oh-oh-re-le~ Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!]
The ball, which I thought was going to the opponent, hit Yoon Seung-hwan in the face and bounced back into the goal.
Yoon Seung-hwan lay on the ground once more, while the Mad Green Boys began to stomp and chant.
The bizarre scene made me chuckle.
‘What the… The ball bounced off the crossbar, hit Yoon Seung-hwan’s face, and went in? Wow… is that what a complete striker is? His positioning is incredible.’
“Seriously! What’s with Baek Ian and Chun-jae hyung too! Why is it always me?!”
Yoon Seung-hwan, who had scored five goals in just his second first-team match, screamed in frustration like a child. If it were me, I’d be too delighted to stay sane. Why was he so upset?
Could it be that he felt bad about being the only one scoring?
‘Is that guy more selfless than he looks? Well… that’s not good for a striker. Forwards need to be a bit greedy… Hmph.’
He seemed burdened by the idea of scoring all the goals himself.
If that’s the case, I’d need to fix his mindset by feeding him even more goals.
With a nod, I understood Yoon Seung-hwan’s feelings and slowly made my way back to our side of the pitch.
—
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