Finally, Ulsan. Director Kim Pan Gon's evaluation of the weakest team? I don't care about players… Representative, K League's competitive performance

Jun 17, 2025

Orando Inter&co Stadium (Orando, USA)/2025 FIFA Club World Cup/ Ulsan HDFC vs Mamelody Sundowns FC/ MD-1/ Official Interview/ Ulsan Coach Kim Pan-gon/ Photo by Kim Jung-soo

[Orando (USA) = Sports Chosun Reporter Kim Sung-won]"I will make a good impression on K-League fans and give them Proud tomorrow." This is the launch of Ulsan HD coach Kim Pan-gon.

The moment of the showdown is approaching. Ulsan will play the first Group F match of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 at 7 a.m. on the 18th (Korea time) at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Kim Dok attended a press conference in the battleground on the 17th, a day before the showdown.

There is no official training in the stadium the day before the game. Ulsan entered Orlando after its final soaking at its base camp, Charlotte, North Carolina. Orlando is well over 30 degrees Celsius even at 6 p.m. local time when the whistle goes off. The humidity is also high, so the wind chill is close to 40 degrees.

Director Kim said "I knew the temperature and humidity were higher than Charlotte's. Opponents have the same conditions. We will do our best to endure the weather and perform as much as we can" he said.

Ulsan was in Group F along with Mamelodi, Fluminensee (Brazil), and Borussia Dortmund (Germany). Four continents will compete: Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. "I think Dortmund will be a strong team physically," Kim said. Brazilian team Fluminensee also has a good track record. Marmelody has speed and stamina. I will make sure that I can prepare well.'

Pohang Steel Yard/ K League1/ Pohang Steelers vs. Gangwon FC/ Group/ Photo Kim Jung-soo

Ulsan is considered the weakest. Club World Cup broadcaster 'Daden' placed Ulsan 32nd in the 32-team power rankings, 'last place'. Sports media 'The Athletic' also ranked 31st.

Director Kim said, `The evaluation is made by outsiders. The evaluation should be accepted by the dam. However, the experience and career of the players are higher than any other team. Three times in the World Cup, three times in the Club World Cup, and one in the English Premier League"I'll take pride in myself and compete proudly with the other team so that I can get good results. There is no players' agitation or motivation. They're experienced, they're on a good stage, they're preparing well," he stressed.

Ulsan's opponents in the second and third rounds are Pluminesh and Dortmund. In order to advance to the round of 16, we must catch the first game unconditionally. It's the end of the game. Director Kim said, `I'm quite looking forward to it and I'm also curious. The opposing team has good speed and organization. I will defend as a team, but I do not unilaterally focus on defense. They are preparing well to overwhelm aggressively. I will prepare for the game by observing and responding to the first 20 minutes", he explained.

And the Club World Cup represents the K League and represents Asia as a whole. I sympathize, and I am well aware of it. It is important to play in a competitive form tomorrow."

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.