Kim Pan-gon Appointed as Ulsan's Head Coach, Ready for K-League Debut
This is Football Bohemian
Ulsan HD FC has officially announced the successor to coach Hong Myung-bo.
On the 28th, Ulsan released a press statement confirming the appointment of Kim Pan-gon, the former head coach of the Malaysian national football team, as their 12th manager. Ulsan highlighted Kim's ability not only to achieve results but also to foster player growth and lead the team's overall development as the key reasons for his appointment. Kim Pan-gon also shared his thoughts on his new role in Ulsan's press release.
"I aim to present a game model that best suits Ulsan’s current situation and strength, and establish Ulsan’s unique playing style to quickly secure performance and results. This is my first time taking on an official managerial role in the K-League, and I feel both nervous and excited. It feels like I've come full circle, but I want to show mature gameplay to Korean football fans."
- Kim Pan-gon, July 28, 2024, Ulsan HD Press Release
Kim Pan-gon will return to Korea on the 29th and join Ulsan to start leading the team. He is scheduled to hold his inaugural press conference on August 5th at 11 AM at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies auditorium in Seoul. Kim’s official K-League managerial debut will take place on August 10th at Munsu Football Stadium during the Hana Bank K-League 1 2024 Round 26 match against Daegu FC.
As he mentioned, this will be Kim Pan-gon’s first time managing a K-League team. He previously served as acting manager three times at Busan I’Park, where he earned recognition for his excellent leadership and good results during times of crisis.
Additionally, he worked as the assistant coach at Gyeongnam FC during the 2011 season, assisting head coach Choi Jin-han. However, this is his first time leading a K-League team as an official manager. Taking charge of Ulsan, the defending champions of K-League 1, will indeed be a significant challenge. Can he bring his 'Pan-gon magic' to Korea, just as he did overseas? Starting with the match against Daegu on August 10th, all eyes will be on Kim Pan-gon.