Professional soccer club Ulsan HD defeated Gangwon FC 2-1 in the 36th round of the K League 1 at the Ulsan Sports Complex on Monday, thanks to back-to-back goals from Rubikson and Min Ji-kyu. With 68 points, Ulsan extended its lead over second-place Gangwon to seven points and secured its third straight league title regardless of the outcome of its remaining two matches.

Ulsan became the third club to win three consecutive titles in the K League, which was founded in 1983, following Seongnam Ilhwa (1993-1995-2001-2003) and Jeonbuk Hyundai 카지노사이트 (2017-2021).

Kim took over the reins of Ulsan HD on short notice after Hong Myung-bo was named national team coach and led the club to the title. He won Ulsan’s first title as a player in 1996 and then won another as a coach. “It’s quite an honor for me personally,” Kim said after the game, ”I think I started from the 10th floor of the basement in my 26 years of coaching. I didn’t have this opportunity for 26 years. I was honored because Ulsan called me.”

When Kim took the helm, Ulsan had lost two straight games and slipped to fourth place. “At first, I was excited and confident. It wasn’t easy to start in fourth place and then climb back to the top of the table and defend it. Every time I woke up in the morning, I regretted the choices I made,” Kim said. “It was hard to see the pressure to win and the disappointment of the fans, but the players always believed in the coach, which was a big help. I’m grateful to my players for another good performance today. Thank you to the coaching staff and support staff.”

Kim attributed the victory to his surroundings, but his leadership and soccer philosophy, which he has honed over the years, also played a big role. Kim’s experience in Hong Kong and Malaysia, where he was considered a fringe player in Korea, has paid off in the K League.

“In fact, the previous coach had built the team so well,” Kim said, ”that there wasn’t much to change because it consisted of players with good character and strong work ethic. It was a big help that the players were convinced (of my soccer colors),” he explained.

Ulsan HD clinched the title, while Gangwon and Gimcheon rounded out the top three. The fight for fourth place, the last ticket to the ACLE, will be decided by one of Seoul, Pohang and Suwon FC (50 points) in their remaining two matches. In the battle to avoid direct relegation, Jeonbuk is 11th with 38 points and Incheon is 12th with 36 points.