‘FC Gaebengers’, which took a break after being released from the Challenge League, is returning to the G League.
The fourth match of Group A in the G League will be broadcast on SBS's entertainment program ‘Goal Diggers’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘Goal Diggers’) at 9 PM on the 12th.
This fourth match of Group A in the G League features a matchup between ‘FC Bulnabi’, which is trying to break a three-game losing streak and spread its wings for a ‘resurgence’, and ‘FC Gaebengers’, which is returning to the regular league after 14 months. As both teams are led by the renowned ‘master’ coaches Choi Jin-cheol and Choi Sung-yong, a fierce competition is expected. In particular, attention is focused on Choi Sung-yong, who was once the ‘top coach by winning percentage’, now leading the ‘Gaebengers’. The transformation of the ‘Gaebengers’ under Choi Sung-yong is highly anticipated.
Before the G League opening, the players of ‘FC Gaebengers’ held a group meeting with Chairman Ha Seok-joo. The players expressed their concerns, saying, “We are worried that there will be a significant skill gap when ‘Gaeb’ returns,” to which Chairman Ha Seok-joo responded that he would consider methods within the ‘Goal Diggers Federation’. During a subsequent coaches' meeting, Choi Sung-yong, who was appointed as the coach of ‘Gaebengers’, expressed concerns based on his past experience leading ‘FC Anaconda’, stating that it is not easy for a released team to achieve results upon their return. It remains to be seen whether ‘Gaebengers’ can smoothly adapt to the league.
After an 8-month hiatus since their last match, ‘FC Gaebengers’ prepared for the game with a unique determination. First, Coach Choi Sung-yong declared a focus on ‘pragmatic football’ that aims solely for ‘victory’. He announced plans to create scoring opportunities through set pieces that leverage the players' strengths, such as Kim Seung-hye's excellent kicking power and Oh Na-mi's speed, along with strong pressure. The players strengthened their resolve for victory in their comeback match by combining intense training with theoretical learning. However, a sudden variable hit ‘Gaebengers’ a week before the match, and Coach Choi Sung-yong appeared at the training ground with a stern expression. He reportedly interrupted an interview, stating, “It’s difficult to completely revise the tactics with just a week left.” Curiosity about the crisis faced by ‘Gaebengers’ is intensifying.
Despite the sudden crisis, ‘FC Gaebengers’ and Coach Choi Sung-yong reaffirmed their determination for victory. Oh Na-mi expressed her strong resolve, saying, “Many people see ‘Gaeb’ as a sacrificial offering for a win, but I will show that it’s not the case.” Coach Choi Sung-yong even brought along the ‘lucky lime’ that led Coach Kim Byung-ji to victory, demonstrating his earnestness. It remains to be seen whether ‘Gaebengers’ can overcome the trials and achieve a successful return.
The crisis-laden comeback match of the ‘Goblin Team’ FC Gaebengers can be seen on SBS ‘Goal Diggers’ at 9 PM on the 12th.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
