Writers' Chat Preview: Incheon United vs. Jeju United

Incheon United have only returned one point from their first couple of fixtures, whilst Jeju United have gone one point better with two draws from their first two games. During the week, Incheon United writerLuke and Jeju United correspondent Charlie sat down to discuss this weekend’s Hana 1Q K League 1 Round 3 fixture and talk about what happened in the first two games of the season fortheir respective clubs. 

Luke:So, to kick off, how have the first two games been for Jeju?

Charlie:From a defensive perspective, I can’tcomplain. We’ve been very compact and not panicked too much under pressure.Despite it only being two games in, to only concede one goal is pretty good.But the issues are in the final third. Our new signing, Yuri, has looked like apassenger in the first two games. Granted, he got himself an assist againstDaegu, but overall, on the ball and off the ball, he hasn’t been great.

Charlie:In terms of positives, what has impressed you the most, that you may not haveexpected pre-season?

Luke:I think that Paul-José M’Poku has shown glimpses ofbeing very dangerous going forward. He looks to be pretty confident on the balland I think once he settles and gets a bit more time under his belt, he’s goingto be a good signing. He got his first goal last weekend and seems to bebuilding a good relationship with Gerso and Hernandes on and off the field.

I’ve been veryimpressed with Lee Myoung-joo, too. We all saw how good he was last year, but he’shit the ground running again this season and has arguably been the Man of theMatch for Incheon in the first two games.

Luke:Which Jeju players have impressed you so far in the opening few rounds?

Charlie:I have been very impressed by Seo Jin-su.In my Jeju season preview, I mentioned him as a player to keep an eye on. Onthe ball, he is technically gifted, he isn’t scared of running at defenders andwhen he does, he can glide past with his speed, skill and strength. Ipersonally believe he should start over Yuri on Sunday.

Charlie:Gerso was such an important player for us last season, what do you make of hison-field impact so far?

Luke:He’s a very good player and we’ve seen glimpses ofthat again in the first two games. Unfortunately, he’s struggled for service asour two central midfielders have been pretty defensive in the opening games andwe’re missing a link up player. We lost Aguilar over the close season, and Ithink his influence would have helped the front three a lot had he stayed. I’mhoping that in the coming games Gerso can get on the score sheet, and I thinkafter he does the goals will come regularly.

Luke:What has worked well for Jeju and got you looking to see more of?

Charlie:I am a fan of our possession-based attacks. Our build up play is incredible, weget a lot of players on the ball, increasing our options, but as previouslymentioned, we lack that deadly finisher up top. Maybe Yuri will just take timeto adjust before coming good, but he has to do so now, otherwise it could be adisappointing season for us.

Luke:Is there anything else that you think needs improving?

Charlie:Under pressure in the middle third, we seem to launch the ball forward toeither Yuri, or over the opposition fullbacks for our wingers to latch onto. Ithasn’t worked once, it seems desperate and I’m sure it’s not how Nam Ki-ilwould prefer his team to play. We have the ability on the ball to be pressresistant. So ideally, I would like us to pass the ball out of defence moreoften. Mainly because Yuri’s hold up play has been poor, and our ball retentionwhen he’s in possession has also been a hindrance to attacks.

Luke:What are you expecting from the Incheon-Jeju game?

Charlie:We have the worst defence in the league, Incheon,hosting one of the worst attacks in the league, Jeju. Incheon look very stronggoing forward, and I expect them to get goals. Hopefully Gerso doesn’t playwell as he could really hurt us on the break. But Incheon’s defence seem tolack concentration and awareness in the closing 10 or so minutes. Will we beable to capitalise? I’m not sure, but unfortunately, I don’t believe we havethe right amount of firepower going forward to put the Incheon defence undertoo much pressure.

Charlie:Incheon have one of the best-attacking records in the league, yet also theworst defensive record. Despite it being only two games in, are you at allconcerned about the defence and the goals you’re conceding?

Luke:I’m pretty concerned about the goalkeepingsituation at Incheon. Kim Dong-heon was excellent for Incheon last year, and wasdescribed by some people as one of the best goalkeepers in the league – and hisstats last season supported that. However, this year he seems to have made a coupleof mistakes, cost Incheon a couple of goals and his confidence seems to havetaken a hit.

Charlie:What would you do to overcome it?

Luke:I’m not sure if it might be a good idea to take himout of the firing line for a little while and give Lee Tae-hee a few games. Butalso, we’ve also lost a lot of experience at the back over the winter with anumber of older defenders either retiring or moving on. I do think the backlineas a whole is still generally strong, however I think we perhaps need to goback to basics when we’re under the cosh and just get the ball up field. We’revery fast going forward, so why risk all the short passes at the back when we’renot doing very well?

Luke:And finally, what do you think the result will be this weekend?

Charlie:As much as it pains me to say, I will gofor a 2-1 victory for Incheon. Incheon’s attacking threat is incredible towatch, and they will get goals, despite our strong defence. I have a feelingJeju will lead 0-1 for a brief period of time, before two Incheon daggers tokill the game off.

Charlie:How about your prediction?

Luke:I think you might be right. A win for Incheon willeventually come, it’s just a case of everyone clicking. With the talent we haveon the field, I’m still convinced we’re in for a good season, it’s just everyoneis settling. I’m going to copy you, and go 2-1 Incheon.

This Sunday’s clash between Incheon and Jejuwill be broadcast in Korea via Coupang Play and Sky Sports, and internationallyonline at tv.kleague.com.