Not only did Stefan Mugoša score on K League opening weekend for the first time since 2018, the Montenegro international helped get Incheon United off to a winning start to a new campaign for the first time in 12 years. Something that he agrees was the "perfect" start:

"Yes, perfect start for me and for the team too. We are so happy and Incheon hadn't won for like 10 or 12 years in first round, especially home game. They said this at the club maybe two or three days before the game, somebody told us this and I was like "whoa, wow really?". And then I knew what we needed to do in this game."

But Incheon had to work for it, coming up against a determined 10-man Suwon Bluewings to eventually break the deadlock in the 92nd minute.

"The game was hard, it's not easy when 10 players stay behind the ball and just make defence, defence, defence but finally in last second I scored and I need to say thank you to my teammates to help me to score and of course, I'm so happy and glad because of the fans, many fans came to the stadium and the atmosphere was very nice. And I'm so happy that we won this game."

Incheon fans are famous for being some of the very best in K League and the stand behind the goal which Mugoša scored in on opening day can create a wall of noise. Having fans back in the stands is a huge plus and is something that Mugoša missed last year.

"It's a fantastic feeling. I missed this feeling because last year everything was about Corona. Fans come and then don't come again and come and then 10% now it's finally like 50% (of stadium capacity). Incheon has some of the best fans K League and I'm so glad to play in front of them. And I'm so happy to make them happy with my goals and Incheon victories."

Incheon fans have already been able to see some glimpses of what the Mugoša-Lee Yong-jae partnership might look like moving forward this season, something which Mugoša believes can blossom.

"He is good player. He has a totally different style to what I have, and together I think it can be very, very good. His cross (against Suwon) was fantastic. I needed that ball and, of course, heading is my quality in the box. I have this quality and I shoot the perfect ball and the cross was really, really good. It was strong and it was easy for me to shoot the ball in. I was so happy when I see that that ball go in."

Lee Yong-jae is one of a number of players who arrived at Sungui Arena Park during the winter. Following a strong transfer window, Mugoša believes Incheon have what it takes to have a much better season in 2022.

"This year, I think we have a better team than last year, some good players have come to Incheon and they will help us for sure. Especially this year in K League, it's very important to start with a win and this is good for all the players for confidence. Especially Incheon, we need to be strong when we play at home, this needs to be our strong point and we need to play stronger and we need to show good performances. I hope we will win many home games this year."

Last season was a reversal of what usually happens for Incheon United. A slow start to the campaign puts them in a relegation scrap but scintillating end-of-season form sees them live to fight another day. But, in 2021 a positive start had Incheon fans dreaming of a place in the top half or even in the ACL places. But a late-season slump, which saw Incheon go seven games without a win with six defeats from the end of August up until the beginning of October, saw them miss out on a place in Final A.

"There were so many unlucky things for me. First I went home because of everything that happened with my family and then after I came back I get corona so stayed in hospital for like 35 days. I'm also an important player in Incheon but these guys (teammates) played so good without me and I need to say thank you so much for supporting me and giving me strength every day. Also the coaches and head coach, they waited for me but I didn't catch my real condition because every time I started to play then I had to go to the national team and then I got injuries. 

"After two months of not touching the ball, it's very hard to play especially in K League - you need to run, you need to fight, you need to keep your condition. But last year, especially for me, it was not so good. Some games we lose and we didn't have any luck. This year we have some new players like (Lee) Myung-joo, he is a top player, also (Lee) Young-jae the striker - many good quality players. This year will be much better than last year, I'm sure."

Despite it being a disappointing year for him personally, Mugoša was able to build on being the club's leading scorer, something he achieved in September 2020, by reaching 50 goals in 100 appearances last summer.

"I'm so proud that I'm the record goalscorer in Incheon's history. I have like 111 games and 55 goals and 10 assists (at time of interview). This is really, especially for Incheon, a good statistic. But I can't do this without my teammates, I want to say one more time thank you for everything that you helped me and especially I get motivation from the fans because like I say every time we have a special relationship - they give me strength, they give me support every time even if I play good, even if I don't play good and they're always behind me, they support me. Because of that, I stay here for a long time and Incheon is part of my family. Of course, I want to stay here for a long time and score more goals."

In the build-up to the new season, Incheon boss Jo Sung-hwan spoke of the team's lofty aspirations of AFC Champions League qualification. Coach Jo's point was that, by aiming for the ACL, his team could at least finish in the top half of the table.

"The coach said he's also full of confidence because he has a good team and I agree with him but first we need to be focused game by game. But, of course, I agree with Head Coach but first, we need to keep this fighting and this motivation and the strength that we showed in the last game. This is just beginning we have like 30+ more games and the season is long and so let's see. But I agree, this will be fantastic if Incheon go to ACL but for me is most important that the first goal is Final A and then try to get this position to go to Asia."

Paul Neat
Managing Editor